Tag: prophecy

Posted in Faith, Family, Fear, Heaven, Life Inspiration, Peace, Word of God

Sounding the Alarm on What’s Happening in the World

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In these strange political times, it’s hard not to think about the end of time as Jesus tells His disciples in Matthew 24. As a new convert in 1996, the very first serious, and in-depth bible study I did was on the book of Revelation. For a new baby Christian, it was perhaps not the side of the book for which to begin, but it was not the only Word I was receiving at the time. I was listening to preaching at every opportunity from throughout the Word of God, but this study certainly planted my feet firm in the foundation that I had better be ready when Jesus returned.

Are you ready?

I sat in church yesterday morning in a Sunday School class of more than a few but not near enough. I knew that during the worship service the sanctuary would have many people in it. Many who didn’t believe there was a need for them to be in the Sunday School hour. I was frustrated and burdened. My eyes filled with tears knowing what they did not, or chose to ignore. Jesus wasn’t sugar coating the end times in Matthew 24.

Matthew 24:1-8 KJV
And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple. [2] And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down. [3] And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world? [4] And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. [5] For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. [6] And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. [7] For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. [8] All these are the beginning of sorrows.

During the Roman period, in AD 70, the Second Temple was destroyed, along with Jerusalem, by Titus’ army. It was also during this period that Jesus was in Jerusalem. He was crucified about 40 years before the destruction of the city. Jesus sat there, in the flesh of a human, telling the disciples what was going to soon happen. They were warned. It happened, and yet man still sits ignoring what Jesus said would transpire in times to come.

As I understand the setting for Matthew 24, the church will have been raptured from the earth, meaning caught up in the air. And by church I speak of those who have accepted Christ as their Savior. This will be the time when the Jewish Nation of Israel will once again be center stage in God’s plan. Currently, God has them setting on the back burner. The Muslim mosque and dome are built on top of the site where the first and second temples stood, and is known as Temple Mount. I have no idea how the destruction of that mosque will occur, but the Scripture says they’ll be a third temple built. The Bible never makes a connection between the timing of the resurrection (rapture) and the start of the third Jerusalem Temple being built, except that the resurrection must occur before the start of tribulation because scripture states that by the mid-point of tribulation the temple will be built and defiled by the Antichrist.  

Additionally, tribulation begins with a deceitful peace treaty between the Antichrist and the Jewish people which could possibly initiate the building of the third temple. However, this is mere speculation. Marking the mid-point of tribulation the Antichrist will compromise the peace agreement, taking a seat in the temple himself and calling himself God, which in effect defiles the temple as described in the book of 2 Thessalonians. That my dear friends is pretty heavy thoughts for my brain. But when you look at the world today, is it hard to believe of any of that being far off?

And yet, God’s house sets empty of many souls that are going to be left behind when God returns for His church. It’s the most heart wrenching thought that stays in my mind because I have so many family and friends that I do to know the condition of their souls. Many tell me they’re fine. But how do they know? Were I not in church at every opportunity, in the Word of God myself, reading these scriptures and receiving the great peace that comes from the gift of the Holy Spirit, I would be terrified. I know because prior to salvation I was terrified.

God started dealing with my heart at the age of nine. Why that age, I have no idea. But I had been in church enough to know this prophecy… the end would come and it was bad. I don’t think it was by chance that God started my journey in the scripture in the book of Revelation. And I don’t think it is perchance that you’re reading my blog today. Below are the words to Matthew 24 and the link to a video of the song. I love you, whomever you are. Please, if you don’t know Jesus, message me today. If you don’t attend church, find you a good one and begin. It’s the sweetest experience in life.

Matthew 24

Words and music by Lonnie Glosson

I [D] believe the time is coming
For the [G] Lord to come a-[D] gain
I believe the end is nearing ev’ry [A7] door
I be-[D] lieve the good old Bible
From [G] beginning to the [D] end
Just compare today with [A7] Matthew twenty-[D] four[D]

We are living, surely living
In the [G] days He speaks a-[D] bout
All of these we now are having every [A7] day
Let’s be [D] ready for His coming
Let us [G] meet Him with a [D] shout
For He tells us in His [A7] word to watch and [D] pray

While upon the Mount of Olives
His disciples came to Him
Saying: “Tell us when these things are going to be”
Jesus answered: “Be ye watching;
Let ev’ryone be free from sin
And take heed no man shall ever ye deceive”[D]

We are living, surely living
In the [G] days He speaks a-[D] bout
All of these we now are having every [A7] day
Let’s be [D] ready for His coming
Let us [G] meet Him with a [D] shout
For He tells us in His [A7] word to watch and [D] pray
Posted in Bible Journaling, Evangelism, Leadership, Life Inspiration, Word of God, worship

The First Cancel Culture Target

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It’s Saturday morning, and I’m off to a slow start. I was sick much of the day yesterday, (just a belly bug) nothing major, but I slept most, if not all of yesterday evening, right into this morning and then stayed in bed until 6 a.m. Oh my stars! Half the day is gone. That is really how I feel when I sleep until 6 a.m. Morning is my best “thinking” time. But here we are at 6:55 and I have a few thoughts on my mind about getting to know Jesus better. He knows me inside and out. Every hair on my head and what hair products I use. He knows that I’ve struggled with ADD-oss) Attention Deficit Disorder Oooooo Something shiny! That’s a real thing, but the only prescription for it is more online shopping. It doesn’t cure it, it just pre-occupies you to the point of not noticing what someone else has that you might need. Jesus also knows that I have a real problem staying tuned into Him when I’m so focused on me. 

So this morning I decided that I would think, and ponder what it is that made Jesus the first ever “cancel culture” target.  Cancel culture wasn’t a phrase back then, but it was certainly a social norm in the Pharisee and Sadducee circle. They wouldn’t even consider the possibility that He was who He said He was. Why? Why have such a closed mind in what was written in Bible prophecy?

Micah 5:2 KJVS

[2] But thou, Beth-lehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.

They knew  it. They had God’s word as proof, and yet they still wanted to cancel Him.

They Wanted to Cancel Dinner

Bethlehem signifies “the house of bread”, and a proper place for Christ to be born in, who is the bread of life; 

John 6:35 KJVS

[35] And Jesus said unto them, I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.

Ponder that for a second as a child of God. This morning I had lemon cake for breakfast. Not the breakfast of champions but it was tasty. And while that filled the hunger in my belly from no supper last night, it’s not the hunger that Christ refers to. That “ooooo something shiny” nature in me that I continually fight, was truthful filled the day that Christ came into my heart. I’m just a slow learner and weak vessel when it comes to pretty stuff. But when it comes to “needing” things in life. Christ fulfilled my every desire spiritually. I love being a child fo God. And I love having His Spirit within me that causes me to love like He loved. Even people that the flesh would like to slap in the mouth. But Jesus causes me to see them as God does. Which helps me better understand the Pharisees and Sadducees that the world had gotten a hold of. They weren’t Spirit lead leaders, they were self lead and worldly minded leaders. Just like we have today. They wanted no part of a Jesus who could provide for the people, both physically and spiritually. They likely knew that would cut into their treasuries. So they in effect tried to cancel supper for everyone! 

They wanted to Cancel Livelihood

Bethlehem was a place of pasture which we know from the shepherds watching their flocks by night in Luke 2:8

I don’t think it was happenstance that the angels came to the shepherds, the lowest of the low in the economic side of life in that day. In the times of scripture being written they were so little trusted that a shepherd’s testimony would not be accepted in a courtroom. Most shepherds were considered on a par with Gypsies, vagrants, and con men. Add to that the fact that shepherds were on the lowest rung of the economic ladder and had little or no formal education. Why would the Bible scholars of the day have even considered them as worthy testimonies of the birth of Christ? Their testimony was canceled before it every made it’s way to the church. So now there’s two strikes against this man called Jesus. He’s born in the lowliest of towns, and testified of by the lowliest of people. 

For me that helps me to identify with the Lord and love Him all the more! Coming from small town West Virginia, being a gal of common work and being used in the Kingdom of God makes me weep with gratitude. God is sooooooooo good to me. Bring on the cancel culture! They didn’t cancel Jesus and they didn’t cancel the lowliest of shepherds, they only made their story that much greater. Please Jesus, let it be so in my ministry as well. Allow the words that You put in my soul to encourage many across they land. This lowly shepherd girl who loves caring for God’s sheep in Calhoun County, West Virginia. 

The world today would love to cancel our ability to take care of ourselves and cause us to rely on the government for our very livelihood. Be not deceived, the corona virus shut down had more to do with the disease of power than the flu.

They Wanted to Cancel God’s Word

Bethlehem Ephratah”, which was a small city, in the midst of the cities of Judah; and “although thou art little in the thousands of Judah, out of thee shall come forth unto me” a man, a ruler in Israel, “whose goings forth are from the days of old”; the meaning is, the goings forth of the family of that ruler are from the days of old; that is, from the seed of David, and a rod from the stem of Jesse, who was of Bethlehem Judah.

While on the surface they appeared to “worship God,” that was furthest from the truth. They had all the tools of the trade and the very of God written down in their hands, they didn’t believe or live it, and I have to wonder if they didn’t more so fear what they did read and know. After all, they were told that God would return one day and reign over His people. I think they’d have rather been their own boss, and that’s how they lived. Satan had convinced them that God’s word needed to be canceled and it would be done by canceling His Son.  But what Satan didn’t know was that the attempted cancellation only gave way to the un-canceling! 

Woohoo and glory to God in the highest! Does that put a shout in my soul!!! They couldn’t cancel the Creator. And as much as society tries today they cannot cancel the Spirit of God that is alive and well in His people. It is no small wonder that Jesus was the first and greatest cancel culture target and still continues to be. The power from His Spirit and His Word that is working through His people certainly has to be frustration to the cancel culture’s ego. They may have won small battles in the realm of Christianity but they have by no means won the war and we are proof! All of the “little people,” in the “little towns” who have the Risen Savior empowering them to continue sharing the word of God keeps us moving toward Heaven. And when we can no longer move in that direction it will be because we have arrived. Just wrote myself happy again!!!!

Posted in Christian Service

These are the days of our lives

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As the world turns, these are the days of our lives. That’s what was running through my head this morning. I can remember sitting in the floor playing with toys in our mobile home in Duck Creek, West Virginia as a youngin’ of the age of 5 or 6, and hearing that show open up and watching my Mother fold the laundry as she watched. It was probably the only frivolous thing I ever watched my Mother do. It’s kind of how I feel now when I watch the news post election. What’s the point right? 

But the other day when I had the epiphany that I was too world focused and not Heaven focused, my news watching became more of an “as the world turns” experience. I began to watch and listen as one that was watching a plot play out on a soap. With the espionage, theft and threatenings it could no doubt be a crime drama as well. The primary characters of this day and nighttime drama are oblivious to the roles they’re playing to usher us into eternity. These really are the days of our lives! 

I’m always clear to say that I’m not a Bible Scholar, but I have the Holy Spirit within me Who can and does instruct me in the word of God, and I have a wealth of information at my fingertips that I must be careful with accessing because contrary to popular belief, everything on the internet is not true! I know, Shocker! Right?

Bible prophecy from the book of Daniel says that in the last days there will be four powerful kings rise up in the world. 

Daniel 7:17 KJVS

These great beasts, which are four, are four kings, which shall arise out of the earth.

According to John Hagee in his book “Earth’s Last Empire,” those four kings will be:

The king of the North, Russia

The king of the South is Egypt and Arab Islamic forces

The king of the East is China

The king of the West is America and the United Kingdom

Those four kings are going to have one primary purpose on their agendas, the attack and demise of Israel. Which won’t happen, but they think it will. They also want to become global dictators taking our civil liberties. They’ve been working on that and have been pretty successful.  All of this will because they desire to control Jerusalem and prepare for the false Messiah. I love Bible prophecy, especially since I’m on the winning side! But it doesn’t stop me from being concerned for those who are not on the winning side, I’m very scared for them when I watch the news and see scripture playing out, just as God said it would. 

Right now across the world Jews are being targeted and Anti-Semitism is very much a thing in the United States. If you read the book of Revelation you witness it as John pulls back a curtain 2000 years ago and looks into our days. How weird is that thought?  While I don’t profess to understand all the prophecy of that book, I know enough to be dangerous. The God of all the Universe has promised to take care of us throughout eternity in a land where evil has been defeated. Our Savior is beside His Father in Heaven and they will be victorious! But in the mean time we are here. I long for the innocence of my youth in my Ozzie and Harriet world. But we must go forward. 

So in looking at those kings listed above we see the actors one by one that need our attention in the matter of prayer. If Jesus tarries His coming, these players in the days of our lives are going to have their focus set on destroying our nation and they’re not going to have to set one foot on American soil to do it. They’ve got understudies all across our nation and most of them in high government positions. So as children of God, what can we do?

We can certainly pray, and don’t take that lightly! It’s powerful. Daniel prayed three times a day and even under the attack of 🦁 lions, he was unharmed. The three Hebrew boys went into the fire believing their God would deliver and He did! God has broken jail bars and broken chains on a crazy man in cemetery. Don’t ever under estimate in the power of our Lord. I personally don’t think He’s done working through us, else He’d have already called us home. Maybe He’s just waiting for His children to stand up in faith when the attacks come.

I’ll continue to watch the days of our lives play out on Blaze TV and continue to read the word of God, because I don’t want to be caught off guard, and I love being in the know. I hope you feel encouraged today, even though the news is not always good. But our God is always good!

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

Watchfulness in View of the Return of Our Lord

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The title of this blog was the heading above the text in my bible for my thoughts on today. 

Mark 13:34-37

For the Son of man is as a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants, and to every man his work, and commanded the porter to watch. Watch ye therefore: for ye know not when the master of the house cometh, at even, or at midnight, or at the cockcrowing, or in the morning: Lest coming suddenly he find you sleeping. And what I say unto you I say unto all, Watch.

He put us in this place to watch His house until He returns; but how many are watching the house, and how many are watching Netflix, or Heaven only knows what else. But for certain there are fewer and fewer watching the houses of God and the people of God. This morning I heed the warnings of the Lord and believe that I too need to do a better job until His return, which is eminent.

His Journey

When Jesus returned home 2000 years ago I can well imagine there was a great celebration! 🎉The horrific crucifixion had been no doubt more than many of His angels could bear. The fact that it was finished, and they would never again have to see their Lord suffer would have been cause for a deafening time of rejoicing. Now that His earthly journey was over, He had left the earth in the hands of His people. I’d never really thought of it like that. This was His Creation, fabricated from His Word and created so that His people would have a place to dwell until the final story unfolds. And look at it! Spring is an amazing time to live in the country. Everything is greening up and the budding out and it smells heavenly outside! And in all that, most of the world fail to see the Creator.  They fail to see the new life that is symbolic of what will come. But before the new life, there will be great destruction for those who don’t believe. 

Our Work

It’s why He left us with marching orders.

🎵🎶🎶Onward Christian Soldier, marching off to war

With the cross of Jesus, going on before 🎵🎶

He didn’t leave us here to sit and soak in the sun until He returned. He told us to watch and gave us authority as His servants. So the question has to be, where are we serving? COVID-19 has opened up doors of opportunity to serve in new ways. Some of which are not easy to accomplish, like taking care of the church when the church isn’t where it’s normally at on Sunday. This will be my first Easter since salvation that I haven’t gotten to take communion, or enjoyed the fellowship of many of my friends in the faith. I worry about those who don’t have the blessing of social media, and who are not able to tune in to our services. We can’t visit and see them face to face, and so I worry about their spiritual wellbeing. I know I need to do more. I need to accept the “authority” I’ve been given. In the words of Nike, “just do it.”

His Return

Watch, He says. It could be morning, night or noon, but we’ve got to be ready. I know that I, personally, am ready. But I don’t believe that’s the only thing the Lord is talking about it. How are we preparing His house for His return? Too many houses of God are asleep. They’ve allowed the sirens of Hell to lull them into believe in theres always time. Or many have gotten so far away from the word of God that they don’t even know what the truth is any more. 

When I read Mark 13:14 this morning it pierced my soul.

Mark 13:14 KJVS

But when ye shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not, (let him that readeth understand,) then let them that be in Judaea flee to the mountains:

Let him that readeth understand? How many do? How many know what the scripture refers to when it speaks of those words in Daniel and the times of tribulation. Believe me when I say I don’t know nearly as much as I should, just enough to be dangerous most likely. But I know that when I read end time prophecy it reads like a modern day newspaper. Well, not really, because a modern day newspaper is far from the truth! But the word of God is every single bit of truth. 

Going into the Easter weekend is a great time of reflection but it should also be a great week of service. Many in the world have their eyes on Heaven right now because they’re worried. It’s our time to let the light of Jesus shine and give them hope!  

David and I sat in the living room last night and I caught just a few minutes of the nightly news. NBC I think. It made me want to throw up. Nothing but negativity and any spin they could use to make this the President’s fault. While I don’t expect those heathens to be sharing the gospel, it would be nice if they shared the truth. And so we turned it off. That’s what the world is doing to Christians today because they’re not living out the truth either. We’ve got to be more diligent about taking the word of God out to the world around us. We need to do a better job of taking care of the Lord’s house.

I have a feeling that that ol’ rooster could crow any moment. What will you be found doing when the Master returns?

Posted in Life Inspiration, Uncategorized

Purple Lizards and Christ’s Return

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chick watchThere was a time when I sang in another Bluegrass band that one of our most requested songs was “Matthew 24”. A song about the coming of the Lord and our need to be ready. Oh it was a beloved song, but the message in reality is not readily accepted. Nobody wants to hear about the return of Jesus Christ, and yet they do. I know… sounds like either a riddle or a bluegrass song. Perhaps I’ll write it! If there’s time. The blood moons got several people excited and ready for a major spiritual event. But what if that event was a major spiritual non-event.

1 Thessalonians 5:1-2 says But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.

This verse always causes me to roll my eyes when the predictors start giving dates of the Lord’s return. What part of Matthew 24:36 do they not understand when it says “But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my Father only.” God said simply to “Watch.” In verse 42 of that same book, and so that’s what I’ve been doing. Watching…

I’ve watched:

  • As many have professed to be God (Matthew 24:5)
  • As there have been wars and rumors of wars (24:6)
  • Nations have risen against nations (24:7)
  • Pestilences (diseases) have come (24:7)
  • Famines have come (24:7)
  • Earthquakes have occurred (24:7)
  • As Christians are killed and hated by all nations (24:9)
  • Many are offended (24:10)
  • False prophets deceive man (24:11)
  • Iniquity abounds (24:12)
  • Many wax cold (24:12)
  • The gospel is preached to all nations (24:14)

Yes, I may roll my eyes at the predictors, but I’m not fool enough not to watch.

Verse 42 says “Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come.”

Before I put the last dot on this blog… Christ could return. And that brings joy to my heart until I read  the end of verse 43 ~ But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.

That brought new definition to “Broken Homes” for me. And it breaks my heart to think that many of the people that I know and love, and who love me in return, won’t take heed. I might as well be telling them that there’s a purple lizard is taking over the planet; because for them the return of Jesus sounds just as crazy. And lest they take heed, their homes will be broken eternally.

Did it happen on the night of the blood moon? Nope. But it will happen. Look at those bullet points of Matthew 24 and tell me which one has not occurred. The “non-events” are precursors to “The” event. Don’t watch the predictors… watch the skies.

Posted in Christian Service, Eternity, Heaven, Life Inspiration

We are without excuse

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#WithoutExcuse

We’re without excuse. I look about me this morning and I’m grateful for the “raisin’ up” I had in the hills of West Virginia. This is where God placed me and by His grace I was placed in the hands of two wonderful Holy Spirit filled parents. But were I not, I’d still be without excuse. And though I was, that still did not guarantee me to become who I am; a child of God. We all get to grace the same way, by accepting what Christ did; not by being born into a certain family. The world is so full of excuses. This morning I’ve had my eyeballs full…

  • The World says: “So and so made me who I am.”
    • No, “so and so” may have hurt you, but you decided who you are.”
  • The world says: “All religions lead to Heaven.”
    • No religion is just the practice of a learned behavior, Heaven comes from a relationship with Christ. Side note: If you have a relationship with someone, you’re pretty close.
  • The world says: “We control our destiny.”
    • Only so far as God allows. So technically you don’t.
  • The world says: “There is no God.”
    • Those who say that are without excuse because we’ve been raised better.

Gene and Violet Hardway raised me, but God raised me up.

Amos 2:11-13 says

And I raised up of your sons for prophets, and of your young men for Nazarites. Is it not even thus, O ye children of Israel? saith the Lord. But ye gave the Nazarites wine to drink; and commanded the prophets, saying, Prophesy not. Behold, I am pressed under you, as a cart is pressed that is full of sheaves.

It is God who put me in a higher place that I may have the privilege of sharing the gospel. Not because I am great, but because I am His. A privilege afforded anyone who accepts the holiness, sacrifice and will of God. He has a purpose for you just as He had a purpose for Israel, and still does. But they rejected Him. Here God tells them I raised up your sons for prophets. God selected and set into place men of God to shine the light to Israel but they chose to ignore it; continually falling back into the ways of the world until disaster struck and then they’d call on God.  But there came a day when God had been rejected one too many times. (His eyeballs eventually got full too I guess.)

Is America there? God raised up prophets and of those He set aside the Nazarite men, many in the prime of their life vowed themselves to the service of God to the extreme, and today we have as those as well. Sure, there are those in the ministry who do not walk the walk they profess, but there are those who do. They’re not perfect, no man is, but they live what they preach. America is without excuse. I speak collectively. I’m an American, but my country is not here, my homeland awaits on the other side of Jordan.

I understand Amos’ frustration at Israel. That’s how I feel about the arrogant lot of people in my face every day. Those who justify their immoral behavior because of how they were raised or treated. I am truthfully sorry for your heartache… but you’re without excuse. Someone else may have hurt you, but Christ, the Creator of all the earth,  loved you enough to die for you and longs to be in a relationship with you through the Holy Spirit and you have hurt and turned your back on Him. He who is your perfect friend and Father. You are without excuse.

The trash talkers of the waves tell the world that all religions are right. Tell me any other than Christianity who’s God died for them.  None. Tell me any other religion that has the moral standards that every human being in their soul knows is right. None but Christianity. Tell me any other that puts themselves in the role of a servant to a heathen nation that rejects them so they might be saved. None but Christian. … Yes… I’m with Amos!

Our destiny is written in the scripture of old. It’s done. Or in Christ’s words, “It is finished.” The only thing we control is self-will; God has the power at any time to stop the world from spinning and throw us into space. Dwell on that thought for a second. God has put the evidence of Himself through His creation before us and He sent messengers to tell the world of His desire to be our Father. I am one.

Amos prophesied that when judgement came, and it would, it would feel like a cart bogged down with weight to the point it couldn’t move. How many in America feel like that today? I love America… but I do not love what she has become. I love her people… but I’m not fool enough to think that God won’t wipe that arrogance off of their faces through judgement so harsh I wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy.   Saved and unsaved we are without excuse.

There’s no excuse for rejecting Christ.

There’s no excuse for not telling someone about Him.

Posted in Leadership, Life Inspiration, Peace

There’s a Rumor Goin’ round… and the Lord started it!

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CHICK VICTORY

Turn on the news, listen in on any number of conversations or watch the trending topics of the internet and it’s bound to be there…any number of headings meant to incite fear or at the least cause alarm; end time warnings, antichrist theories and terrorist threats. Our minds are pummeled with images of destruction and yet those of us in America are blessed to live on a soil of peace, at least for today. I’m dumfounded by either the ignorance of leadership or their willingness to hand over the keys of freedom to a liberal, ungodly lot who have no conscience of evil. That’s a pretty harsh statement, but I’d argue its truth and win. I’m not saying that everyone in Washington is on board… but if they’re not, where in the world are they?

For quite a while it’s been on my heart to blog on this incitation of fear that my own heart has fell to upon occasion, but the words didn’t come until today.

2 Timothy 1:7 says “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” So how is that we can have a sound mind in this chaotic world? Only through the Word of God because it is the only true peace on earth.

In the book of Obadiah, in it’s one and only chapter we find the continuing saga of two brothers at odds; Jacob and Esau. A story that began in the book of Genesis and continues through to today, with Edom (the descendants of Esau) being viewed as an example of the antichrist and Jacob (Israel) the chosen nation of God. A little piece of ground that God chose as His own and is still desired to be the possession of anyone at odds with God. And at the root of it all – the pride of men.

Obadiah 1:1-4

The vision of Obadiah. Thus saith the Lord God concerning Edom; We have heard a rumour from the Lord, and an ambassador is sent among the heathen, Arise ye, and let us rise up against her in battle. Behold, I have made thee small among the heathen: thou art greatly despised. The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee, thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; that saith in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground? Though thou exalt thyself as the eagle, and though thou set thy nest among the stars, thence will I bring thee down, saith the Lord.

One thing for certain is if God starts a rumor, it still truth. The antichrist, the “heathen’s ambassador” is for certain in our path. Much speculation has occurred on who it is or will be, but he has yet to be revealed. We are however primed and ready to accept the god of lies because we’re allowing ourselves to be engulfed in this fear that the world would have us fall to. The world is looking for a Savior, Who’s been there all along, yet they desire one with cape and crown that they can see. And Satan will provide it. He’ll provide it by two methods: Fear and Pride.

Fear will come to those who do not know the Word of God. And they outnumber those who do. Pride is the political hierarchy that believe that “they” are the solution.

God says of pride in Proverbs 6:16-17 – These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,

The pride of man says “I am in control,” but the wisdom of God says, “I know Who’s in control.”

It was pride that caused Lucifer to be kicked out of Heaven, caused Eve to want to be as smart as God, caused the tower of Babel to be built which got the nations scattered, caused Herod to kill all those innocent babies trying to exterminate Christ, and will cause the antichrist to demand to be worshipped in the end times. But it is the humility of the Christian faith, that acknowledges the power of almighty God and His sovereignty that will bring peace to the soul in this world of woe.

Obadiah 1:18 – And the house of Jacob shall be a fire, and the house of Joseph a flame, and the house of Esau for stubble, and they shall kindle in them, and devour them; and there shall not be any remaining of the house of Esau; for the Lord hath spoken it.

History has proven God’s word again and again and will continue to do so. Yes we live by faith, not sight. But we also have the historical facts as evidence.

When God said that there would not be any remaining of the house of Esau He meant it. The Edomite extinction began around 300 A.D. when a group of Arabs conquered their capital city Petra and continued through other tenemies until they were completely destroyed by the Romans around 70 A.D. And no one today can tell where an Edomite is located.

The spirit of fear that the world would desire Christians to have shouldn’t be there. If we read and understand the Word of God we can know, regardless of what appears to be going on in the world, God still has FULL CONTROL. And there will come a day that the pride and arrogance of those in the world who desire evil against the nation of Israel and the people of God will be as Esau. None remaining. Amen.

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Posted in Christmas, Life Inspiration

Have I got a story for you!

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on Have I got a story for you!

Chick Manger Scene

And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

Luke 2:6-7 KJV

Barely a woman by today’s standards, Mary had just been given a harsh reality in life, and I’m not speaking of the birth, although that would certainly have been one too! But the lesson that I refer to this morning is “not everyone is your friend, and life’s not always fair.” For the past nine months she had been a willing vessel to carry the Redeemer of all mankind. And for that she had been rewarded with being on the cover of People Magazine and the Enquirer too had done a four page spread about the secret life she led prior to marrying Joseph. Okay… so that’s not true, but I’m sure the gossip train rolled just as ugly; shooting off steam and traveling just as far. But this night she lie in a make shift hospital room on the side of a hill. Forget sterile, her baby was wrapped in grave clothes, no anesthesia or drugs to dull the pain, and the Physician’s assistant was a donkey name Estelle. Again, I embellish! But the story is so ordinary… NOT!

It’s one of the thousands of story in the Bible that need not be embellished, it’s just as amazing to me every year and when I slow down to think about it; multiple celestial sightings, prophecy fulfilled, a Baby born to a virgin, welcomed by shepherds, honored by Wise Men and a price put on His little head by a pagan king who feared the power of a not so ordinary infant boy. And all that for me!

What an amazing God we serve that He would write such an awesome story to be placed in our lineage and shared with our children and grandchildren. I wonder if the original characters will gather around and tell us all the “real” version of the story when we get to Heaven. Family story night will take on a whole new meaning when we’re together up there! And those books…the ones that God writes in every day of the things we’ve done for Him; perhaps we could even leaf back through to the night of Jesus’ conception and read for ourselves what God wrote of Mary’s reaction to the news that she would carry our Lord. My mind is reeling at what might have been written in those books and what a trip to the library might be like. I’m so grateful for stories…

It’s Sunday! And today I get to be the storyteller to a group of teens in my class. I get to gather them around and share the Good News and the Glory of God. I’m excited, can you tell? I hope you’re excited to share that news today. You don’t have to be a Sunday School teacher; just tell somebody!

Posted in Life Inspiration

When you’re going through the fire…

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion 2 Comments on When you’re going through the fire…

through-the-fire-and-flames-we-carry-on-1

When you have to pray the prayer you didn’t want to pray…

It was that wee hour in the morning phone call no parent wants, your child’s in distress and you’re 2 hours away. Daughter Tiffani just headed in to surgery for delivery of our 6th grandchild. She’s only at 30 weeks. I’m scared, concerned for both her and the baby; needing to hug my son-in-law who is facing it alone. And I hit my knees and gave it to God, who is the Creator of all life. Who alone makes those decisions; and I want to hug Him too. But instead He hugs me.

I do the only thing I’ve known to do since 1996. Go to God and get in the Word.

It is well… He speaks to my soul.

It doesn’t feel well Lord….

It is… I hear again.

Our 2 lb 12 oz miracle came just a little after 5. Breathing on his own, and we are rejoicing.

The reality of that story is the whole time I was praying I knew it was the Creator’s decision.  I didn’t feel well; I knew “it” was well, but I still so wanted it to go the way I wanted. It is with great joy that I can say the Lord answered my prayer. Both Tiffani and Parker Keith came through with flying colors. When my son-in-love called he said, “He’s breathing on his own.” My heart skipped a beat. I hadn’t evening thought he wouldn’t. The fragility of life is such that at 2 lbs 12 oz., that was a distinct possibility. God is good!

At choir practice at church on Sunday evening, I belted out the solo to the song “Through the fire.” My neighboring friend Lola said, “Wow, Shari, I don’t even think they’re going to have to ‘mic’ (microphone) you.” I knew what she meant… I have a big mouth. I told the choir there was likely a genetic reason my new grandson came out breathing on his own, God had blessed us with good lungs. But I had a reason to belt that song out, I’d been through a little fire this weekend.

Just a few hours after Parker was born, by beloved and best pal, Sammy the Jack Russell was hit by a car. It wasn’t like Sam to go near the road, but that day he did. And so I went into another spiral of emotions. He was a true companion and there for me so many times, and I didn’t even get the chance to pray. My heart was broken but the day was filled with too many responsibilities to grieve.  And so I handed him to the One Who created Him. And it was again a reminder about the fragility of life. Puppies or people, life is but a vapor.

I’m glad I know the Creator. I’m glad when the fire came, the water that quenched my thirsty soul in salvation also dampened the flames that tried to consume me.

Zechariah 13:6-9 ~ And one shall say unto him, What are these wounds in thine hands? Then he shall answer, Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends.Awake, O sword, against my shepherd, and against the man that is my fellow, saith the Lord of hosts: smite the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered: and I will turn mine hand upon the little ones.  And it shall come to pass, that in all the land, saith the Lord, two parts therein shall be cut off and die; but the third shall be left therein. And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The Lord is my God.

Those words… what an awesome tale they tell. An Old Testament prophecy that bears the name Jesus Christ.

Sunday morning’s prayer requests at our church were almost surreal. I wasn’t the only one going through a fire, and many of them their flames were higher than mine. But the God we serve was able to bring songs and shouts of praise throughout the congregation, because He’s awesome like that.

Are you going through some flames yourself? Give it to the Creator. He may not put them out, but He’ll carry you through. If you have time today, comment and let me know how the Lord is bringing you through!

Posted in Christmas, Life Inspiration

And God said, “No you won’t”

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on And God said, “No you won’t”

Numbers 24:17

I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.

I love Bible prophecy, especially that which shows Satan getting his just dues. It doubly sweetens it when God uses Satan’s very own words to further the gospel of Christ! In Isaiah 14:13 God sites Satan’s plan for overthrowing the Kingdom of Heaven. “For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:”

And God said, “No you won’t.” That of course was a Shari Quote of verse 15 that reads “Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.”

And so on the night that Christ was born, what do we find making its way into the Christmas story? A star!

Matthew 2:1-2 ~ Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, Saying, Where is he that is born King of the Jews? for we have seen his star in the east, and are come to worship him.

And for generation after generation, every time the story of the coming of the Messiah is told there is also the story of the star that lead the Shepherd’s and Wise men to Christ. The very thing that Satan said he would exalt himself above, God uses to proclaim His Son’s birth and the salvation of earth. The star that Satan would use to lure men into idol worship, God used to light the path to the greatest story ever told.

In Deuteronomy 4:19 God warned ~ And lest thou lift up thine eyes unto heaven, and when thou seest the sun, and the moon, and the stars, even all the host of heaven, shouldest be driven to worship them, and serve them, which the Lord thy God hath divided unto all nations under the whole heaven.

As if to say to Satan, what you believe yourself to have dominion over, I’ll show you Who is in control; and as the Magi were possibly doing something they shouldn’t be doing (looking for signs in the stars) God reveals Himself and they begin their journey for the Creator of the Star. Oh my goodness, how awesome is that! We too forget sometimes Who it is that is in control and that God will use even our mistakes to light the path to His purpose. The wise men followed that star to the Messiah and from their story we find four things that should be in the heart of every believer

Matthew 2:10-13  ~ When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh. And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

Joy – It should be evident. (Theirs was great, so should ours be)

Worship – it should be experienced. (They fell down! In awe of His presence)

Giving – it should be earnest. (They were the takers, now they were the givers)

Changed direction – it should be everlasting. (They went another way. There should be some notable changes of direction in our lives when we meet Christ)

I pray this Christmas each time you see a star you’ll be reminded of Christ and experience the great joy that comes in knowing Him!