Tag: politics

Posted in Faith, Leadership, Life Inspiration, Political

The DNC ain’t the Boss of Me

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on The DNC ain’t the Boss of Me

This morning I awoke to bits and piece of the Democratic National Convention being covered and shared by Fox and Blaze News. While I’m fully aware that their perspective will be on the conservative side and not in favor of Democrats (nor is mine), that fact didn’t undo what the Democratic Party said. It was slanderous and negative as always, bold face lies and shockingly an attempt to be patriotic, although we know them to be anything but. The icing on the cake was when they had the brother of George Floyd as a guest speaker as if Floyd was a national hero. He was a felon. He did not deserve the treatment he received but he was not a hero or a martyr. Unless drug abuse and robbery is your cause, then perhaps he could be called a martyr. 

While politics are always dirty, the fact that they spent such effort focusing on the negative of the republicans, rather than anything positive on their side, leads me to believe they have nothing to bring to the table. It also causes me to hope that the republicans will focus on the positive and not on tearing apart the man with no mind, and the woman with no morals who are running on the leftist losers. State the facts and move on. Tell me what you have for our country, and tell me how you love it. I need to know somebody in this country has pride in our nation and they’re willing to fight for it. 

I guess Asaph the writer of Psalm 73 felt much the same. 

Discouragement produces Depression

Psalm 73:1-28 KJV

[1] Truly God is good to Israel, even to such as are of a clean heart. [2] But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had well nigh slipped. [3] For I was envious at the foolish, when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. [4] For there are no bands in their death: but their strength is firm. [5] They are not in trouble as other men; neither are they plagued like other men. [6] Therefore pride compasseth them about as a chain; violence covereth them as a garment. [7] Their eyes stand out with fatness: they have more than heart could wish. [8] They are corrupt, and speak wickedly concerning oppression: they speak loftily. [9] They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walketh through the earth. [10] Therefore his people return hither: and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them. [11] And they say, How doth God know? and is there knowledge in the most High? [12] Behold, these are the ungodly, who prosper in the world; they increase in riches. [13] Verily I have cleansed my heart in vain, and washed my hands in innocency. [14] For all the day long have I been plagued, and chastened every morning. [15] If I say, I will speak thus; behold, I should offend against the generation of thy children. [16] When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me;

Asaph acknowledges that God has been good to Israel. Has God not been good to America? And yet, when Asaph said his feet had well nigh slipped, I get it. The fueling of division, the spewing of hatred and lies, and the justification of violence and the anti God attitude is more than my heart can withstand. I love my country, but I do not like what it has become. I want no part of any of this nonsense. I’m glad I’m not God. I would have already cleaned the swamp with a call to the principalities of the air to wipe the smile off their face and their soul from the earth. And that’s wicked I know, but I just told you my feet have well nigh slipped. 

Encouragement produces Enlightenment

 [17] Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then understood I their end. [18] Surely thou didst set them in slippery places: thou castedst them down into destruction. [19] How are they brought into desolation, as in a moment! they are utterly consumed with terrors. [20] As a dream when one awaketh; so, O Lord, when thou awakest, thou shalt despise their image. [21] Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my reins. [22] So foolish was I, and ignorant: I was as a beast before thee. [23] Nevertheless I am continually with thee: thou hast holden me by my right hand. [24] Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me to glory. [25] Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee. [26] My flesh and my heart faileth: but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion for ever. [27] For, lo, they that are far from thee shall perish: thou hast destroyed all them that go a whoring from thee. [28] But it is good for me to draw near to God: I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all thy works.

Please join with me to take Asaph’s words to heart. Pray for the left and leave them to God. He is far better at cleaning the swamp than we are. Regardless of their ignorance and arrogance, we win in the end. They cannot have our victory for it was paid for by the blood of Christ. They can deny God, despise the truth and defend the wicked. But those decisions will lead to destruction. We on the other hand can “declare His works” and do our part, knowing that our end is Glorious!

Amen! 

Posted in Eternity, Evangelism, Faith, Grace, Leadership, Life Inspiration, Political, Uncategorized, Word of God

Is Christ Divided?

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion 2 Comments on Is Christ Divided?

Woah. That’s quite a question. And it certainly deserves an answer.

I was at a family event this week, when the topic of politics came up. Dangerous ground for any family at this time. While my immediate blood line is non-confrontational, I was raised by very passive parents, so I and my siblings have been somewhat the same, although it seems that we did learn to express ourselves a little louder. Add to us an expanding family of in-laws and children and another dynamic was added into the mix. Now a conversation can get much louder and much more passionate than that of my childhood. But we have still managed to keep the peace. A fact that I don’t take for granted. I see so many families divided by multiple reasons and the worst of it is the family of God. My family has agreed to disagree, but mostly we avoid talk about politics at the dinner table. 

But a problem is, I was born to talk. And so God gave me a blog. Else my head would explode. It’s here I air my feelings and share my thoughts because I pay for the page. So my family is not the boss of the me. 😀 I said that in humor, but what is not funny is the world for which we currently live where we cannot share our thoughts aloud in most venues for fear of an outright war. And many of those warriors are from the church and I’m not sure Jesus is any where in the battle because of the question I found in 1 Corinthians 1:

“Is Christ Divided?” 

Paul asks that question of the Corinthians:

1 Corinthians 1:10-13 KJV

[10] Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. [11] For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. [12] Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. [13] Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul?

Their divisions were over who was lead to Christ by who, or baptized by who. Ours are not near so spiritual. And our founding father of these United States were wise enough to see that when they placed a separation of church and state in the constitution. Not to keep Christ out of government but to rather keep politics out of the church. Government and politics are not the same thing. We have one Government. The government of the United States. We have many forms of politics for which everyone has a right to believe. But when it come to the church, politics should never enter in. Whether you are democrat, republican, independent, from a blue state or a red state, the scripture is still black and white. So we are not to ask “Would Christ be a Republican, Democrat or other party?” We’re to ask, does what we believe line up with scripture? The only division that should be in the life of a Christian is “rightly dividing the word of truth.” (2 Timothy 2:15)

Speak the Same Thing

2 Peter 1:20

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

I praise God that I am too limited to read more into scripture than is there. Scripture was meant to read, believe and apply. If God says “thou shalt not”, don’t. If God says “thou shall,” then it’s okay. If He says nothing about it, then don’t tell people it’s in there. God did not say every Baptist preacher had to have a white shirt and a black suit. They didn’t wear britches in the Bible. As a matter of fact, they wore dresses, robes and sandals, and they looked like men and women. I said that to say, speak of what matters. And it ain’t britches. Paul wasn’t concerned about the outward man, he was concerned about the inward man. If we get that right, then the outside will match. And it still may not look like you expect it to. But it’s between them and God.

Paul’s goal was to refocus the Corinthian church on the word of God for the purpose of leading people to Christ. They’d gotten off task. It was not about how they got saved, it was what they were doing for Christ after they got saved. So I ask of you who are reading this today these questions: “If everyone in your church spoke as you do all day, what would the conversation be mostly about? And would it line up with the Bible?”

God doesn’t expect you to never talk about things in the world, but if you are talking about those things, would you talk as you do if He was there in person? He would probably like a NASCAR race, but what would He have said about the noose in the locker room? He may have said something like “Will you all shut up, people are going to Hell, and you’re worried about a garage pull. Eyes on the prize people.” I would like to be there if He did.

Have the Same Mind

Perfectly joined together in the same mind? What would that look like? Well it wouldn’t look like my mother’s dinner table I assure you. Because there are people there with a wide array of opinions and they ain’t even close the same. 

So rather than being upset with people I love, I go to the word of God.

Proverbs 29:11 says “A fool uttereth all his mind: but a wise man keepeth it in till afterwards.”

While I love that that gives me the right to say “I told you so.” When things turn out poorly, I won’t, and that’s not the intention of God’s advice. But rather keeping your mouth shut in the midst of political passion is better than arguing with someone who’s not going to change their mind in the midst of anger. But if later I can go back to that person, or write about my beliefs and why, then maybe we will one day have the same mind. It also means that I might not always be right either. If I read and study God’s word, and I do, He just might change mine. But for certain, our minds have got to align with God’s word. And what I see in most all liberal arguments is that God’s word has no where entered into the process. If they occasionally quote scripture, it’s almost always out of context. But truthfully I don’t hear many liberals quoting scripture to back up their agenda. 

The same mind that matters is only the mind of Christ. 

In the Same Judgement

Are we a judgmental society or what?! And what is the favorite go to judgy scripture?

Matthew 7:1 – Judge not, that ye be not judged.

Oh that’s a good one! But when people use it, they’re usually saying under their breath, “You are not the boss of me.” Nor is Christ usually their authority. 

While God gives us a freedom of mind, He does not give us the freedom to choose His judgment, and His is the only one that will truly matter. So when judgment day comes, and you stand before the Lord, what will your conversation be then? 

I’ll bet Chloe was not a very popular person in the church of that day, because it was they who told Paul that the church folk were fussin’ about who was better because of how they came to Christ.  And that’s when Paul brings up the subject of judgement. A subject also brought up by Jude who tells of why we should be more concerned about the word of God than about the word of men, which seems to be where we have our focus now:

Jude 1:14-25 KJV

[14] And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, [15] To execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him. [16] These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts; and their mouth speaketh great swelling words, having men’s persons in admiration because of advantage. [17] But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; [18] How that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts. [19] These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit. [20] But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, [21] Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life. [22] And of some have compassion, making a difference: [23] And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh. [24] Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, [25] To the only wise God our Saviour, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen.

Christ isn’t about division. Nor should the church be. Make sure you’re on His side. It’s the only one.

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

Don’t be a Crybaby, Be a CryMan or CryWoman

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on Don’t be a Crybaby, Be a CryMan or CryWoman

I’m here to confess that I have struggled the last few days since the Governor’s announcement that we were mandated to wear masks. My husband will tell you that I don’t like anything on my face. A fact he discovered when he accidentally pulled the covers up too far one night and I came out of a dead sleep and just about beat him to death, accusing him of smothering me.  We still laugh about that, but there’s nothing funny about what’s going on in America. 

I understand people’s concern and I can certainly empathize with anyone at risk. As someone with a heart issue you’d think I’d be a little more concerned. But I’m not. I’m continuing in faith and the guidance of the Holy Spirit that tells  me every time I hear the words “the studies show,” I believe that person has a hand up their back like a puppet with an agenda that wants to take this country down.  I watch as people on social media tear each other apart over the debate and think, Satan’s having a field day.  I was flagged on social media yesterday and reprimanded for my “hate speech” because I said a coon, also known as a raccoon, was trying to get my chickens. What? Yet, they’ll let them tear down and threaten anyone who goes against the liberal agenda without so much as a second glance of their posts. It’s all about controlling the narrative and it’s not a new game Satan’s playing. Satan’s warped goal and his reason for getting kicked out of Heaven, is because he wanted to be God. And he’s still controlling the narrative both in the world and the church by using those who “translate scripture”into a better understood language. 

Case in point:

Isaiah 14:12 in the King James Version says “How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!

But in the NIV version of that text it reads “How have you fallen from heaven, O morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations!

“Morning Star” is a title given to Christ in Revelation 22:16 

I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.” 

There are countless other changes in different versions of scripture that have an agenda which is why I’m a KJV girl. As far as I am concerned it is the preserved word of God that He wants His people to have. He would not put His stamp of approval on anything that changed the deity of His Son, and they do. 

But that’s not what today’s blog is about either. Although it never hurts to let people know that translation matters. Like how the world is translating, interpreting what we’re saying into hate speech and they’re using the religious to do it. 

While I’m not a fan of the Catholic Church because of their doctrinal discrepancies, I won’t say that there are not some good people in that church. Such as Rev. Theodore Rothrock a priest in a Catholic Church in Indianapolis, Indiana who was suspended for warning his parishioners with the following words describing Black Lives Matter:

“The only lives that matter are their own and the only power they seek is their own,” Rothrock wrote. “They are wolves in wolves clothing, masked thieves and bandits, seeking only to devour the life of the poor and profit from the fear of others. They are maggots and parasites at best, feeding off the isolation of addiction and broken families, and offering to replace any current frustration and anxiety with more misery and greater resentment.”

I love this guy. He was protecting his flock and it’s the truth. But that didn’t stop his spineless superiors from taking action against him for “hate speech.”  

I’m so glad that I go to a solid doctrine teaching church. Last night during our Wednesday night Bible study the Pastor brought up a fact about John the Baptist that I had never thought of: He was a Levite, the son of a priest, and by all rights should have been teaching in the Temple of Jerusalem, but instead he’s found coming out of the wilderness, preaching like a wild man. 

Why was he not in the Temple? Most like because the Priests of that day were descendants of the Bishop in Indianapolis. 

The man who God chose to point the world to Christ was called out of a thicket, not a church. That’s good stuff right there, and I praise God for Preacher Steven Carter bringing it to light last night. 

Why is it that the world considers the church a grain of sand in their shoe and wants no part of them right now? Because it’s not only the Catholic who are cozying up to the world right now and powdering their butts like a bunch of toddlers, trying to keep them from throwing a fit. And they’re very vocal about it. Another portion of the “church” and I say that collectively, is just trying to stay off the radar. They’re not anything for fear of retaliation. 

I fully believe the fields are white and ready to harvest. Because there are many, many, many in America right now who know what’s happening across our country is wrong. BLM could care less a bout the black and the liberal politicians could care less about BLM. They are a pawns in their hand and they’ll use them as scape goats some day when the crap hits the fan. But the bulk of our nation are just good people wanting to live in peace and raise their families, and they’re looking for hope, and it’s not going to come from he church because they don’t believe them anymore than they do the politicians. But it could come from “one crying in the wilderness.”

John the Baptist wasn’t wearing a robe, he’s was wearing camel hair and leather. He wasn’t eating Caviar, he was eating bugs. Neither of which I recommend. But it does say something about what the people were drawn to. They were not drawn to the big Temple they’d heard about all their lives. they were drawn to a guy yelling “Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.” (Matthew 3:3b.)

Another NIV issue. 

Proverbs 3:5-6 is a very familiar and often quoted verse:

Proverbs 3:5-6 KJV

[5] Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. [6] In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

But in the NIV version it reads:

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding;

6 in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

God did not say he would make your paths straight. Right now our paths are anything but straight! They go in a thousand different directions and it is the Holy Spirit that we have to rely on to direct us. Because the world isn’t going to allow it to be clear. And it’s not going to be religion that brings hope and changes the course of America. It’s going to take God’s folks being loud. 

The NIV version of Matthew 3:3 doesn’t change the word a lot, but it changes the meaning by a mile. It reads:

3 This is he who was spoken of through the prophet Isaiah: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness,  ‘Prepare the way for the Lord make straight paths for him.’

In the KJV version it says he was “crying.” In the NIV it says “calling.”

The Strongs definition of “crying” is to Shout in a tumultuous way.

The Strongs definition of “calling” is to emit a sound (animal human or instrumental); by implication to address in words or by name also in imitation: 

When one cries there is an urgency, I might “call you” for dinner. But unless you’re literally starving to death, that’s not urgent. I know, I know… it’s just words right? It’s not just words, it’s God’s words and He sent John the Baptist out, He didn’t send him out with a monotone voice. He sent him out hollerin’ and getting the attention of the people. 

It’s our time to get loud in this wilderness we’re in. Otherwise, people are going to bust Hell wide open and join up with the idiots on the left. 

Posted in Christian Service, Evangelism, Faith, Leadership, Life Inspiration, Political

Legos, Liars and Lawlessness

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on Legos, Liars and Lawlessness

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. I have the hardest time with this new reality that we’re living in because it is not the reality for which I grew up in or raised my children in. But as I listened to the Blaze News reporters talk about an action taken by the Lego (R) toy company, my stomach rolled over. 

This is a snippet of one of the online reports:

The email requests removal of product listings and features for more than 30 LEGO building sets, Minifigures, and accessories that include representation of police officers, firefighters, criminals, emergency vehicles, and buildings. Sets include the LEGO City Police Station, Fire Station, Police Dog Unit, Patrol Car, Fire Plane, Mobile Command Center, Police Highway Arrest, and many more. Even the LEGO City Donut Shop set — which includes Police Officer “Duke DeTain” and “Crook” Minifigures — roleplay items including a Police Handcuffs & Badge Set, and the adult builder LEGO Creator version of The White House made the removal list.

What?!

What side do you suppose their on? Perhaps they should make a LEGO looters set to replace it. It could have little glass shards that protrude from the store windows, I’m sure those wouldn’t hurt children. Perhaps it could have little old ladies with removable hand bags for the muggers, and Molotov cocktails for throwing. Ridiculous right? Well for me, that is no more ridiculous than a toy story not wanting to promote our local heroes. As the wife of a fire chief I can tell you what I’m not going to do, I’m not going buy any more lego products for my grandchildren. Getting rid of the ones they have is not a good idea, why punish the kids for adult stupidity? But I’ll not sit in silence when I see a company who has made millions off the product line of  emergency services and then throw them aside like trash.

As I posted yesterday, I’m so glad I live where I do, I’ve not witnessed anyone in our area being unkind to our local heroes. Well… with maybe the exception of a few people who were on the wrong side of the law to start with. When I quote a scripture like 1 Timothy 2:1-2 KJV, I can’t help but to think about the writer of that scripture, Apostle Paul. He wrote:

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.

Break that verse down into the divine instruction that it is:

Let’s talk to God about “all” men.

No color. No gender. Just everyone. Let’s pray for each other. Those in a uniform and those without. The created beings of the Creator. 

Let’s thank God for all men.

Have you thanked God for the people in your life lately. The policeman, fireman, those who defend our country? How about those that defend our homes, like the mom’s and dad’s who watch over the children and the critters and all the things. Have you just thanked God for your people. 

How about the king…oh wait, we don’t have a king, but we have a President. 

Have you thanked God for him? You may or may not be a Trump fan. I personally will love you either way. But I am a Trump fan, because (while I don’t think he’s perfect) I think he’s chosen and appointed by God for our country for such a time as this. I think he’s been attacked worse than any political figure in history and too many have ignored the truth.  

Now, last but not least, let’s talk about those in authority.

The Police and defenders of the law. The same people who are spreading hatred and lies against law enforcement are the same people who have round the clock body guards. When they perform a concert, they call for extra police (at the cities expense) to cover the area so their safe. They live in gated communities and hire people to run their errands. When they feel that they are in harms way, they dial 911 and expect an answer and an action. And yet, these are they who have just requested and started a petition to have the budgets cut of local city departments and the money given to minorities. 

Are you kidding? 

Remember who wrote the verse in 1 Timothy. Paul. Who was beaten and arrested for sharing Christ. Yet he defended the laws of man. Paul knew that even though sometimes life is broken, and doesn’t work like it should, there is protection in law and order. And God is for order. 

Satan is for Chaos. And he has got his minions by the thousand across the United States offering money for chaos and crime.  

While there is no justification of an officer who uses force against a man in cuffs. That officer is a coward and a creep that deserves the penalty for which he charged many to and so do those who idly stood by and watched. But the fact of the matter is our law enforcement is the only thing between us and chaos. Well… unless you live in West Virginia, and then there’s a few rifles, pistols and other ammunition between us and chaos. Yes. This Jesus Chick is Pro-gun, Pro-Life, Pro-law enforcement and Pro-President. I will continue to teach the children in my life to respect and honor emergency service workers and all those in authority. And I will explain to them the evil that is in the world and call them by name when necessary so they’ll know who to avoid. 

I pray you are safe, and I pray you are wise. Don’t buy the liberal lies. Stand strong in the word of God and know His will and His ways. 

Love ya! – Shari, the Jesus Chick

https://get.blazetv.com

Posted in Bible Journaling, Christian Service, Evangelism, Faith, Family, Heaven, Life Inspiration

One Race Only

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I feel like I should have to preface the image above by saying, “For display only.” The odds of me running in any physical race are slim to none. But the spiritual race… oh, I’m in that one! 

It’s times like the ones we’re living in where I am extremely grateful for where I live and where I was raised. Were it not for the providence of God, I could have been anywhere. Including smack dab in the middle of the riots. But the only rioting going on around my house is when the six grandkids come over. And I am sometimes crowd control, and I am sometimes the instigator. It depends on the day. But one thing that hasn’t changed in my life is the blessing of being raised where the color of someone’s skin was more of a curiosity to me, than an issue. I knew that the color of the skin meant that the culture of that family was almost inevitably  different than mine. I have not met too many dark skinned red necks. And as I grew up in Calhoun County, West Virginia, there was only one black family in our area. So to say that I can identify with racial indifference isn’t true. I have nothing to relate too. Over the years the diversity of skin colors has changed in our area, but still yet, for the most part, white skinned red necks are the lot of our bunch. But I’ve traveled and I’ve met people of all different nationalities and I’m here to say, each are a product of God’s purpose. Some living in it, some running from it, and most trying to figure it out. So when I see the hatred and vicious behavior of the riots going on, my heart breaks for the Lord Jesus Christ. This is not who He created us to be. 

I said all of that so that you’d get a snapshot of who I am, culturally speaking. I’ve lived in the country most of my life, with the exception of a few years in the city of Parkersburg, West Virginia. My kids were raised country. I have a daughter who’s an avid fisher and hunter, and the other who loves everything about mudding and frog giggin’, my sweet little girls did not grow up to be fancy pants. I on the other hand, love everything sparkly, which is why I have such a fascination about Heaven. And why I could care less about the color of someone’s skin, thinking that all of our souls are transparent at this point. Or perhaps they too are sparkly. I’d like to think that way. 

The most frustrating part about the state of our country right now is the division. We should be fighting for each other, not with each other. When I agreed to run the race for Jesus in 1996, I didn’t look back. All my past transgressions were under the blood and the people that I had issues with in my life, there’s were no longer on my mind. I just loved everyone. I just wanted to see everyone come to know the Jesus that I know. The One and only who could die to pay the price for all of my sins, and they were many. They one who rescued me from a heart of turmoil. Who exchanged for one filled with peace. Oh my goodness, why would I want to go back into that life, or why would I consider standing in judgement of any man or woman knowing what Christ brought me out of. I love running this race. I do not like physical running. It tires me quickly with my heart condition. The only thing that tires me quicker, is see people running down my nation. I love it. I’m a die hard fan of God and He is a fan of the old America. Not the one we’re living in now. 

We need to go back to the old paths, where in is the way.

Jeremiah 6:16 KJV

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.

Jeremiah’s instructions are a timeless solution

Stand in the ways… God’s ways.

See… His provision.

Walk… as He leads

Rest for our souls… we need it now more than ever.

But even then they said, “we will not walk therein.” And America is filled with that same rebellious spirit. But regardless of it, we who are children of God do not have to follow suit. We can run this race single minded, God focused. We can choose to love, even the most despicable of characters, you know… like politicians. I know… that wasn’t very nice. I’m not lumping them into one category, how rude would that be? 

I hope you are safe, and I hope you are filled with the Spirit of God, guiding you. Have a topic you’d like to hear more on? let me know. I’m always looking for a good study. 

Bless ya! ~ The Jesus Chick

Posted in Bible Journaling, Leadership, Life Inspiration, Political, Uncategorized

Another Day in Euroclydon

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Acts 27:14-16 KJV

[14] But not long after there arose against it a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon. [15] And when the ship was caught, and could not bear up into the wind, we let her drive. [16] And running under a certain island which is called Clauda, we had much work to come by the boat:

What will become of us? I’m sure that was a question on the boat in the midst of Paul’s storm in the book of Acts. I say Paul’s storm, not that it was created by him or his fault, but it was certainly his lot in life to go through it. All the man wanted to do was serve God, accomplish his purpose of being the Apostle to the Gentiles, but it wasn’t without issues! 

I don’t know about you, but I’m certainly not an Apostle Paul. I can’t say that I have dedicated myself to the Lord in such a degree as he. But I’ve faced storms, and no doubt so have you. Perhaps you’re in one now. I guess if you’re in this world, amongst the effects of this pandemic you’re in the storm. America is facing a Euroclydon of sorts. 

Another Day in Captivity

Paul’s placement on that boat wasn’t a joy ride. He was a prisoner on his way to Rome. Held for preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. Do I believe that the Coronavirus is a spiritual battle against God’s people? Yep. But just like the shipwreck Paul endured, God was glorified and I believe the same is true with us. I’ll keep saying it until God calls me home or Jesus’ return which is what I’m hoping for. We’re all very much being held captive by this stupid virus. Well, perhaps the virus isn’t what’s stupid. Just saying. But captivity is our lot for now. And like it or not we’re going through this storm. 

Another Day of Calamity

Euroclydon is a whirlwind storm that comes suddenly, and places anyone in it’s path in peril. Sound familiar? The death toll of this virus (although some of which I fear is false) is heartbreaking whether it’s one or one million. Losing someone is tragic. But it is unfortunately life until eternity. I’m not making light of it, I’m just speaking reality. Something this world avoids. We seem to be living in a state of subjective reality. It truly does depend on who you’re talking to as to what is real vs. what is fraud. But for Paul the storm was very real. And whether or not the facts of COVID19 are true or false, the effects and the storm we are facing is very real. Peoples lives are at risk due to not only health issues, but financial and emotional. The latter of the three is certainly taking it’s toll on people. If you’ve got to worry day in and day out about your families livelihood it’s going to take a toll. 

Another Day in Circumspect

Circumspect is the unwillingness to take risks. And while I understand and agree that those with health issues shouldn’t put themselves in harms way, this virus has caused the world yo fear everything and everybody. No, let me rephrase that, people with an agenda have caused this world to fear everyone and everybody. Quarantining is for the sick, not the well. And what it has created is mindset of fear. We fear the virus, we fear the economic fall out, we fear that it was an intentional attack. And here we are, sitting in this ship waiting for it to strike the shore of Claudia. For now we’re letting this storm drive.

I had never noticed that part of that scripture before. We let her drive. It actually struck me a little bit funny in a warped kind of way. Number one, the fact that it was referred to in female form. But hey, I’ve seen more than one woman on a mission to destroy. I can understand it. While the spiritual connotation should likely be that we should let Jesus take the wheel, that’s not what I see happening in America. We’ve allowed an ungodly government to dictate our every move. I’m not suggesting a rebellion, but I am suggesting a stand. Enough is enough. Until the citizens of this country get a back bone we are going to continue in this storms path. What would have happened if our founding fathers never took risks? We would not be the country we have become. Or the country we were. Now, I’m not so sure.

Another Day in Clarity

When this ship finally runs ashore and the storm stops, there is going to be much work to come. America has an uphill battle to get back on our feet. Most people are a little seasick and weary. (Aka nauseous). That’s how I feel every time I listen to rhetoric the left spews out of their mouths trying to twist this entirely and obviously for their political agenda. They’re not even hiding it, and American citizens are buying it, hook, line and sinker and it’s going to sink us. The arrogance and wickedness of American politics is at an all time time. That is clarity. 

I truly try to stay out of political debates. Because they only serve to separate and God is seldom glorified which is my goal. I want to draw people to Christ, not separate them from me. But there comes a time when as a Christian we have to take a stand. We cannot continue to stick our heads in the sand and let Washington’s political tribe of heathens destroy our nation for their own gain. When Pelosi and that bunch put things in a relief bill such as “adding higher fuel emissions standards for airlines, and expanding wind and solar tax credits,” and Americans say… “well, as long as they help us a little.” What has happened to our nation? The founders could not have possible imagined the idiocy of future leadership. But who’s dumber, them for putting it in the bill, or us for allowing it?

I know, that’s not popular in todays liberal thinking, but doggone it I’m tired of Miss Euroclydon steering me into a shipwreck. 

I guess I just needed to vent a little today. Pray for me… pray for my Country as we spend another day in Euroclydon.

Posted in Eternity, Evangelism, Leadership, Life Inspiration, Political, Uncategorized

Today’s Political Rhetoric won’t Hold Water with God

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion 2 Comments on Today’s Political Rhetoric won’t Hold Water with God

I know I may sound like a broken record, but how can we not see the writing on the wall of end time events when we see what’s happening in our world. I’m not a dooms day speaker. I believe in speaking hope at every opportunity and encouraging souls where ever I go, but buddy it’s tough! the world doesn’t share much of my enthusiasm. We need Apostle Paul to be the Whitehouse spokesman. Can you imagine? I want to. I’d love to see someone with some spiritual backbone get up there and say what needs to be said. Trump does his best from a worldly viewpoint and interjects Jesus upon occasion which I so very much appreciate. But for some reason, most of the rest of those knuckle heads in Washington believe that they can say or do anything without standing accountable. Well… maybe not on this earth, but there will come a day. As much as I am uncomfortable with confrontation, I find a little joy in my soul that some of that tribe will be squirming in their sandals when they stand before almighty God and try to explain what they did in the name of political correctness.

I believe in Forgiveness

But people have to want it.

The gift of salvation cannot be had without repentance and acceptance of Christ’s work on the cross. So wouldn’t it be grand if our leadership on capital hill got their hearts right with Christ! It would be amazing! And if they did would the n’er do wells in our society be able to accept it. Would the dems and the republicans have brotherly love, or would they still want to nit pick everyone to death. 

Paul tells the Galatians in Galatians 6:1-18

[1] Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. 

My friend Tracy Miller wrote this amazing song titled “One Stumble from a Fall.” Ain’t it the truth! We all are. So in the sight of almighty God there is no high horse to get on. We’re all lowly sinners. And if anyone repent we’ve got to be ready to accept it and encourage them regardless of which side of the fence they’re on. After all, only God’s fence matters.

But we are in a prideful day. The arrogance and entitlement of our country’s leaders make me nauseous. So many are touting their own agenda, they’ve long forgotten who elected them. Well, let me just tell you, I won’t soon forget their agendas come election time. 

I Believe in Community Support

But not socialism

[2] Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. [3] For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. [4] But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. [5] For every man shall bear his own burden.

Paul told the Thessalonians in like manner in 2 Thessalonians 3:10

[10] For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat.

Hello? Can I get a witness that we need someone in Washington to say that! I believe that we should help folks out in these dark times. Right now even those who want to work cannot. And those of us who are working should do what we can. But not to the point where our families are not taken care of. God also speaks to that through Paul in 1 Timothy 5:8

[8] But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.

Again I say, we need a modern day Paul speaking from that podium in the Whitehouse press room!

I Believe in an Unchanging God

He’s not political correct!

Malachi 3:6 KJV

[6] For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.

Washington has no idea how lucky they are that God does not pour His wrath down on them as in Old Testament times. Praise God we are under grace and He is a patient God. But for those of us who study and share the word of God, it’s still our  responsibility to call them out! 

Paul continues in Galatians 6

 [6] Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. [7] Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. [8] For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. [9] And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

The liberal world would love it if they could fit God into their ideology, but it ain’t happenin’. God is and always will be a non sin excusing God. He’ll forgive it, but He won’t excuse it. If it was sin in the Old Testament days B.C., it’s sin in 2020 A.D. And the strange thing is, the very sins of those days is the very sins of these days. As in the days of Molech (Leviticus 20:4) the world is still killing babies. As in the days of Lot in Genesis 19 the abominations of men abound throughout our earth, space does not permit me to call out the list of comparable sins, but you know doubt see it too. But scripture is clear that if we faint not, if we continue on in the faith of Jesus Christ, we too shall reap, but we will reap the blessings of God! Glory! 

I Believe we should take Care of One Another

It’s about relationships not religion

Paul closes out his letter to the Galatians with words of wisdom for the church.

 [10] As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. [11] Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand. [12] As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. [13] For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh. [14] But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. [15] For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. [16] And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God. [17] From henceforth let no man trouble me: for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus. [18] Brethren, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.

Paul gave his life for his Savior, but he’s not asking for that from us, he’s asking for us to look after one another, and remember why we do it, Because Christ did it first. They were first called Christians in Antioch. (Acts 11:26) Because they were so “Christ like.” Would to God it was said of us. Amen? Amen!

Blessings on your day. Stay well and safe and share me if you liked what you read. 

Posted in Bible Journaling, Christian Service, Life Inspiration, Uncategorized

What the World Needs Now

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on What the World Needs Now

Love. It’s what’s missing in society. I believe that it’s just that simple. I grow so weary in my soul when I hear people spewing hatred against people they don’t even know. Now, I realize there are some who heap that anger upon themselves. Believe me… when I tell you I struggle in the politics of the day not to hate people. I have to continually remind myself that they too were created by God with purpose. But somewhere down the road, they got off the intended path. Or perhaps never found the path and they are lost and headed to Hell. Even sadder. But the reality of it is, I will not answer for them. I will only answer for what I do as a child of God. 

We need Fervent Love 

Peter would understand me. After all it was Peter who cut the soldiers ear off when they came to arrest Jesus. I might have wanted to do that more than once. But it was Peter who wrote in 1 Peter 4

[8] And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins. 

Peter was zealous when it came to what he believed in. Far too many people are apathetic about their relationships, especially their relationship with God. I’ve kind of been in that state of mind. I’ve struggled lately to do what God called me to do. The weariness of the world was stuck to me like goo. Not glue… but rather an ick. I just couldn’t seem to get out of the funk I was in. I pray this is the first step out of that hole… It’s not that I lost my zeal, but I lost my drive. I lost the fervency for the Gospel. 

Fervency is a passionate, glowing and growing desire to accomplish a matter of the heart. That should be my driving force, and no goo of this world should be able to cover it!

We need Forgiving Love

[9] Use hospitality one to another without grudging. 

Never in my 57 years have I seen such an unforgiving society. If we’re not on the same page, we can’t even be on the same bookshelf. We can’t even be in the same library. I love the book analogy. Thinking about Malachi 3:16

Malachi 3:16

[16] Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name.

It should cause great concern that God is ever aware of our conscience. For the good and bad. It should cause us to be that much more forgiving of others who are struggling in the same manner we are to figure this world out. But what it should do most of all, is cause us to have a desire to live for God, not man. The depravity of man is evidenced in Washington. Hospitality is barely in our vocabulary any more. 

My mother is the most hospitable person on the earth. At 84, Her door is open 24/7 and has always been. I remember a time when my “hippy cousins of the 70’s” were hitchhiking across the country and stopped in at our house with their friends in the wee hours of the morning. My mother never grimaced. She let them in, fed them, and bedded them down. Strangers, without regard for what they believed. She’s just kind. That is how the heart of a Christian should be. Open to love. But never wavering in what it was designed to do. Share the gospel and forgiveness of Christ Jesus.

We Need an Un-failing Love

[10] As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. [11] If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

What ever your gift is, and you certainly have one, and likely many! That gift is made to minister. I can’t stop thinking about it. It’s why these past few weeks of a lack of fervency have been so hard on my spirit. I know that God created me to minister, and when I’m not… I’m failing. Miserably.

God helps us to be the men and women of God that You formed us to be. You knew me before I was in my hospitable momma’s belly. Help us to regain the fervency to share the gospel with a world that’s going to bust Hell wide open unless someone shows them the forgiveness and freedom of knowing Christ as Savior. Help us to have an unfailing love for the created. You love them. So must we.

Posted in Bible Journaling, Christian Service, Evangelism, Grace, Leadership

Have You Sold Him Out?

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on Have You Sold Him Out?

Zechariah 11:12

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.

Believe me when I say, that I could have gotten in the flesh so easy when I read this scripture this morning in Zechariah. There is no irony, it was deliberate, as is every word in the word of God. Nothing just happens, and nothing was just written for the sake of taking up space or embellishing the Book. It’s there on purpose.

Before I began reading, I asked God to speak to my soul through Zechariah. I about half believed He would. I’m just being honest. Sometimes the Old Testament prophets are either too meaty or too dark for me. They’re not about the ratings. They don’t care what I think. Zechariah was preaching the truth to Israel, they had not been in a good place with God. He’d taken them to the wood shed so many times the splinters had splinters. And at this point He’s telling them like it is, one final time “If you won’t listen, I’m giving you a serious time out.” (Yes that’s the Bible according to Shari) This is about 518 BC. Jesus doesn’t make the scene for greater than 500 years and Israel’s time out is long and silent.

My stomach just turned thinking about the times that God has been silent in my life and how hard it was. I didn’t hear from Him until I got into a place that had me wanting Him more than I wanted the world.

During Israel’s silent time, many people went on to the afterlife having never experienced God. Oh, how sad.

So, back to the scripture. It’s all too familiar to Matthew 26:15

And said unto them, What will ye give me, and I will deliver him unto you? And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver.

If you know much about the bible, you know that that was what Judas received for betraying Jesus.

Shari “in the flesh” wanted to write about Washington D.C.’s betrayal of the Lord. I wanted to name names, and parties. And I may or may not have been justified. I wanted to name news stations, and denominations. Yes, I was feeling very fleshly indeed. Until God brought up my own sell out. The times I could have spoken up, showed up and stepped up and did not.

Speak up

I’m not saying it’s easy. I’ve failed on multiple occasions to speak up in the face of adversity when dealing with non-believers. But when a President, who clearly has not lived at the foot of the cross, does more for the cause of Christianity and speaks the name of Jesus in more sincerity than some backslidden politician  who refuses to speak up on behalf of Christians who elected them because of their stand on Christ, something’s wrong and they should be called out.

Show Up

It’s an odd thing to me that people will go to great lengths and expense to attend a secular event without regard for the day of the week, or the way they feel. But come Sunday church, or Heaven forbid a revival or Christian concert and suddenly they just don’t have the energy, money or time.

Stop lying to yourself and to the unsaved. Because you know better and so do the lost. Show up.

Step Up

The hardest one of three most likely because it requires commitment.

The saddest part of the story of Judas is the fact that Jesus would have gladly saved him. He repented of the money he took and gave it back, but couldn’t admit he was wrong about Christ and humble himself, but rather committed suicide.

He had weighed the price of his sin at 30 pieces of silver. That’s what he said the life of Christ was worth. Even though he had spent all that time in His presence.

The children of Israel had spent time in His presence too, but still failed.

I fall in that category too. Every time I fail to speak up, step up or show up I’m letting the world see how much I truly value Christ. Not nearly as much as I should.

Praise God for grace.

Before I throw anyone or any group under the bus I need to examine my agenda. Is it self-righteous Shari, self-promoting Shari or possibly even self-denial Shari who would rather bring attention to someone else’s issues than face my own head on.

Once that’s clear. I and you, need to speak up, show and step up into positions of authority that will give us a voice for Lord. And when others in authority weasel out and don’t defend Him, we need to call them out and set it right.

Posted in Leadership, Life Inspiration, Political

Not by Happenstance – a Presidential Truth

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on Not by Happenstance – a Presidential Truth

american chickI know that the bible is relative to the day, but it still gives me a moment of pause. And so I re-read what was written and it’s as if God says, “Yes, that’s what I wrote. What part of the “Living Word of God” did you not understand?” So, I’m reading through 1st Samuel and I’m in the 10th Chapter, reading the story of the anointing of Saul to be King. I need to preface this with a Facebook story. God woke me up at 5:30 ish this morning and I knew I needed to get up and read the word of God and see what He’d have me focus on today. But it was so toasty beneath the covers that so I lay there scrolling through Facebook and catching up on the latest meme’s, prayer request and antics of somebody’s baby. And low and behold, this will shock you, I came across an anti-Trump post. Now that’s rare in my Facebook world because most of those who are on my feed are Trump supporters or at least they’re not negative nellies. But one such character, a preacher no less, was a very vocal Obama and Clinton supporter and although we’ve not locked horns about the issue, his post bother me. So in frustration, I hop up out of bed and head to the living room to get into God’s word. That’ll teach me not to obey God the first time.

Not by happenstance, I’m in 1st Samuel 10.

Verse 9

And it was so, that when he had turned his back to go from Samuel, God gave him another heart: and all those signs came to pass that day.

Samuel had just laid the news on Saul that he was about to become King of Israel. Saul didn’t understand. He was of the tribe of Benjamin the smallest of the children of Israel, he didn’t have any training and he was just trying to find his dad’s wayward mules, not trying to become king. But God had another plan. It had never been God’s plan that His people would have another leader besides Himself. But they chose that path, and so God allowed mans will to become the way. But it still didn’t take God out of control. As Saul turned to leave Samuel, somewhat in shock I think, it says that “God gave him another heart.”

When Obama was elected in 2004 and 2008, I wasn’t happy. But he was President and I knew that God had allowed him to be President and who was I to question God. I spent those eight years watching as the American dream was flushed down the toilet and Christianity was mocked from one end of the country to the other. Yet, I still respected the office of President of the United States. So when 2016 came you better believe I was on my knees begging God for a change in our Nation’s leadership before the whole country found itself searching for God in the house of the Lord and having Him not be found. When President Trump initially ran, my first thought was “I don’t think that’s God’s man.” But as time went on I became a Trump believer. Not because he was a godly man, but because he was a man God could use. And then, when he added Vice President Pence to his team, a man of God and proud to be, I had my answer.

So when I scrolled across that post this morning of side by side images of Obama and Trump at the National Prayer Breakfast, with their opening words being used to tear at the political seams of our Country, I was upset. Obama had opened up with scripture, Trump opened up with a joke. Now, for the record I never watched Obama’s national day of prayer speeches because I fully believe the man is Muslim, not a child of God. At every opportunity he thwarted the efforts of Christianity and promoted Islamic terrorism. But back to the prayer breakfast… Trump was stirred up after he had heard Chaplain Barry Black preach one of the best sermons I’ve ever heard and a salvation message to boot!  God is at work on the heart of Donald Trump, I believe it. So he opened up with a joke about who appointed Black and that his job was safe whether he appointed him or someone else. It was Trump trying to be funny… he doesn’t always master that.  But what he mastered in his speech at the National Prayer Breakfast was the fact that he is willing to fight for Christian freedom. That was never Obama’s agenda.

I’ll shush at this point, because I really don’t like being political. But I needed to get that off my chest and I have a platform for which I pay a month subscription that gives me the right to do so. And I figure if you’re not a Jesus Chick fan, you’ll likely not read it anyway. And if you’re a fan of mine, you’re probably a fan of President Trump. Yes, I’m aware for the biblical scholars that Saul later failed. Trump’s not Saul and our story doesn’t have to be his. This is about who God appoints and the fact that we have no right to question but to follow scripture that says that we are respect authority.

The end of that chapter says this in verses 26 and 27.

And Saul also went home to Gibeah; and there went with him a band of men, whose hearts God had touched. But the children of Belial said, How shall this man save us? And they despised him, and brought him no presents. But he held his peace.

I see God moving in our country in a way that I’ve not experienced for a very long time. And I’m just saying for the record that those stirring division are not of God, because God unites Christians. Satan divides.