Tag: provision

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

Positioning by God

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on Positioning by God

Positioned for Purpose

I knew a man of moderate wealth, not a millionaire but one of good means. I fully believe; and the proof was in his life that this man was given wisdom and opportunities because he returned the favor to God. He was born to nothing. His mother literally gave him away to his grandfather at the age of 5 to pay for a doctor bill that he had covered the cost of during his infancy when he had  pneumonia. This is a true story. He and his Cherokee grandmother were the man’s slaves until he was grown and she was too old to be useful, at which time the grandfather had her placed in a mental institution. He grew up on beans and bread most every day, so he appreciated food and fellowship as an adult. He went to church, and as a teen was saved, and called into the ministry. He married and graduated from a bible college, and after working in the secular world he became the Pastor of one of the largest churches in Ohio. During that time, he invested any extra money he had into two places: future income for his family and God’s work. Both of which he prospered in.  He gave 100’s of dollars away most every day. I was the beneficiary of his $100 ministry often. Most every time I seen him, he gave me money to make life easier, he knew I struggled. He knew because he took the time to get to know people, and when he did he acted on what he learned about them. Because of his kindness he is often a testimony in my life. 

Think about the people in your life. Is there someone who has shown you that level of kindness, or someone who you have seen having issues with life? Was it something that you could have done something about? I have to wonder how many opportunities I pass by because I’m so doggone busy. 

There was one such woman of generosity in scripture.

Positioned for Piety

It says in 2 Kings 4:8-37

[8] And it fell on a day, that Elisha passed to Shunem, where was a great woman;

From a commentary it says she was possibly a woman of great wealth and riches, of great benevolence and hospitality, and of great grace and piety; that feared sin, as the Targum paraphrases it; a woman of great credit and reputation on all accounts. The Jews say she was the sister of Abishag the Shunammite, and the mother of Iddo the prophet

Because she was of grate stature, and of such a wonderful mindset, scripture goes on to tell us that:

and she constrained him to eat bread. And so it was, that as oft as he passed by, he turned in thither to eat bread. [9] And she said unto her husband, Behold now, I perceive that this is an holy man of God, which passeth by us continually. [10] Let us make a little chamber, I pray thee, on the wall; and let us set for him there a bed, and a table, and a stool, and a candlestick: and it shall be, when he cometh to us, that he shall turn in thither. 

So she not only offered him a place to stay, but food to eat and created him a little hotel room in her home, just for him. She went to great length to make sure he was comfortable. She did so because she knew he was one of God’s men. That should be the mindset that we have over servants of God. We should want to go above and beyond the call of duty for them.

Positioned for Possibility

[11] And it fell on a day, that he came thither, and he turned into the chamber, and lay there. [12] And he said to Gehazi his servant, Call this Shunammite. And when he had called her, she stood before him. [13] And he said unto him, Say now unto her, Behold, thou hast been careful for us with all this care; what is to be done for thee? wouldest thou be spoken for to the king, or to the captain of the host? And she answered, I dwell among mine own people.

So I imagine that Elisha is just laying across the bed with his arms folded up thinking about how good this woman has been to him, and he wants to do something for her. He tells Gehazi his servant to call for her and ask her if he can speak to the King on her behalf. Perhaps giving her husband a position of authority. Or some other favor. But she was very satisfied where she was and didn’t want that favor, she politely declined. 

 [14] And he said, What then is to be done for her? And Gehazi answered, Verily she hath no child, and her husband is old. [15] And he said, Call her. And when he had called her, she stood in the door. [16] And he said, About this season, according to the time of life, thou shalt embrace a son. And she said, Nay, my lord, thou man of God, do not lie unto thine handmaid. [17] And the woman conceived, and bare a son at that season that Elisha had said unto her, according to the time of life.

Obviously Gehazi had learned from Elisha. He had noticed that there was no children in the house, and perhaps seen evidence that this woman had truly desired to be a mother, but for what ever reason had never became pregnant. We see her desire when she tells Elisha not to even joke about it! But it’s not a joke. In their older years, it happens. What she had long given up on as even a possibility, God makes it happen and she is blessed with a son. 

Positioned for Promise

Have you ever felt as though you’d been chosen by God for a certain purpose, but its either not happened, or not as you expected? Well, the Shunamite woman was experiencing just that in the time that followed. Great, great joy was felt over the son. But then tragedy struck, but she held on to the promise she had forgotten about. 

 [18] And when the child was grown, it fell on a day, that he went out to his father to the reapers. [19] And he said unto his father, My head, my head. And he said to a lad, Carry him to his mother. [20] And when he had taken him, and brought him to his mother, he sat on her knees till noon, and then died. [21] And she went up, and laid him on the bed of the man of God, and shut the door upon him, and went out. [22] And she called unto her husband, and said, Send me, I pray thee, one of the young men, and one of the asses, that I may run to the man of God, and come again. [23] And he said, Wherefore wilt thou go to him to day? it is neither new moon, nor sabbath. And she said, It shall be well. [24] Then she saddled an ass, and said to her servant, Drive, and go forward; slack not thy riding for me, except I bid thee. [25] So she went and came unto the man of God to mount Carmel. And it came to pass, when the man of God saw her afar off, that he said to Gehazi his servant, Behold, yonder is that Shunammite: [26] Run now, I pray thee, to meet her, and say unto her, Is it well with thee? is it well with thy husband? is it well with the child? And she answered, It is well. [27] And when she came to the man of God to the hill, she caught him by the feet: but Gehazi came near to thrust her away. And the man of God said, Let her alone; for her soul is vexed within her: and the Lord hath hid it from me, and hath not told me. [28] Then she said, Did I desire a son of my lord? did I not say, Do not deceive me? [29] Then he said to Gehazi, Gird up thy loins, and take my staff in thine hand, and go thy way: if thou meet any man, salute him not; and if any salute thee, answer him not again: and lay my staff upon the face of the child. [30] And the mother of the child said, As the Lord liveth, and as thy soul liveth, I will not leave thee. And he arose, and followed her. [31] And Gehazi passed on before them, and laid the staff upon the face of the child; but there was neither voice, nor hearing. Wherefore he went again to meet him, and told him, saying, The child is not awaked. [32] And when Elisha was come into the house, behold, the child was dead, and laid upon his bed. [33] He went in therefore, and shut the door upon them twain, and prayed unto the Lord. [34] And he went up, and lay upon the child, and put his mouth upon his mouth, and his eyes upon his eyes, and his hands upon his hands: and he stretched himself upon the child; and the flesh of the child waxed warm. [35] Then he returned, and walked in the house to and fro; and went up, and stretched himself upon him: and the child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes.[36] And he called Gehazi, and said, Call this Shunammite. So he called her. And when she was come in unto him, he said, Take up thy son. [37] Then she went in, and fell at his feet, and bowed herself to the ground, and took up her son, and went out.

She never stopped believing that God’s promise that she had long forgotten would be restored. She took the boy and laid him on the Prophets bed where she had gotten the promise, and where later Elisha restored the life back to her son.

But the struggle and the triumph doesn’t stop there! Can I tell you that life doesn’t always go as planned!

The Right Place at the Right Time

4 chapters later the story of the Shunamite woman continues. 

Famine has come to the land and Elisha tells her that she’s going to have to leave the wonderful home she has created, and so she does. But when she does, the king takes possession of it! So now she has to go and ask for it back.  But the day she does it just happens that Gehazi is there and the King wants to know what Elisha has been up to. Well it just happens that he can not only tell him, he can show him through the Shunamite woman’s testimony. This didn’t just happen. It put her in the right place at the right time for God to provide for her again. 

Positioned for Provision

2 Kings 8:1-6 KJVS

[1] Then spake Elisha unto the woman, whose son he had restored to life, saying, Arise, and go thou and thine household, and sojourn wheresoever thou canst sojourn: for the Lord hath called for a famine; and it shall also come upon the land seven years. [2] And the woman arose, and did after the saying of the man of God: and she went with her household, and sojourned in the land of the Philistines seven years. [3] And it came to pass at the seven years’ end, that the woman returned out of the land of the Philistines: and she went forth to cry unto the king for her house and for her land. [4] And the king talked with Gehazi the servant of the man of God, saying, Tell me, I pray thee, all the great things that Elisha hath done. [5] And it came to pass, as he was telling the king how he had restored a dead body to life, that, behold, the woman, whose son he had restored to life, cried to the king for her house and for her land. And Gehazi said, My lord, O king, this is the woman, and this is her son, whom Elisha restored to life. [6] And when the king asked the woman, she told him. So the king appointed unto her a certain officer, saying, Restore all that was hers, and all the fruits of the field since the day that she left the land, even until now.

She was not only given her home back, but a freezer full of meet and veggies!  Okay… no frozen foods but plenty of goodness for which I have no doubt she once again began sharing. I know this was a lengthy blog. I’m usually at about 1000 words. Today at this point I’m at 2,174. But her testimony reminds me of the goodness of God throughout my life and God’s great provision. His word is so encouraging to my soul. I’ve been struggling for weeks to do His work, and today I feel like the Shunamite woman made me a bed and a loaf of bread and said, “rest here for a while. God’s got us covered.” Maybe you needed the rest too. Love ya! Mean it. Please share and encourage someone with God’s word!

Posted in Bible Journaling, Christian Service, Evangelism, Life Inspiration, salvation, Word of God

The Bread and Water’s Free

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on The Bread and Water’s Free

You don’t necessarily have to look at my waistline to see that I love bread, but it helps. I have found very few forms of bread that I don’t love. Possibly none. Homemade is my fav, but store bought’s just fine in a pinch. I prefer to think that my mindset is godly. (Like most Christians.) Is too much unhealthy? Yes. Does that stop me from wanting it? No. And I’m positive that won’t send me to Hell, unless of course you talk to a skinny person about it, and then they make you think it will. I’m only partly joking. 

I got on this thought this morning because of a song by Chuck Compton. “Bread and Water.” I’ll post the video below, it will bless the socks off of you. And because of my bestie Glo’s desire to share homemade bread to encourage folks in our church, and in so doing, share the love of Jesus. Isn’t that a great idea! Of course it’s not about the 🍞 bread so much as the love behind it, but the bread doesn’t hurt! 

Life Giving Bread

John 6:32-51 KJV

[32] Then Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Moses gave you not that bread from heaven; but my Father giveth you the true bread from heaven. [33] For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world. [34] Then said they unto him, Lord, evermore give us this bread. [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. 

It’s absolute truth that when I discovered Jesus Christ and accepted Him as my Savior, I never wanted for anything spiritually again. I won’t say I didn’t what things of the world, I’m still of the flesh, and I like all things bling, but spiritually… Jesus filled me to the brim and overflowing! When I see this world going crazy around me, and I’m still at peace, I sometimes even question it myself? “Shari why are you not falling apart.” And then I remember, Oh yeah… because Jesus is the glue that holds me together. I don’t understand how people survive without Him. 

While we focus much of our testimony on the forgiveness of God, which is huge! We should also be sharing how much fulfillment comes from know Jesus with those in the world who are searching for something they don’t even know what is. They’re just following the loudest crowd.  

Soul Raising Bread!

[36] But I said unto you, That ye also have seen me, and believe not. [37] All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out. [38] For I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me. [39] And this is the Father’s will which hath sent me, that of all which he hath given me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up again at the last day.

I love making homemade bread and seeing the yeast do its thing. Once those ingredients come together, the warmth of the activated yeast causes the dough to rise and begin it’s journey to the oven. Oh glory! That’s a little slice of Heaven for two reasons. The obvious of which is the fact that the bread will be ready within the hour when it gets to that point. But the other is perhaps not so clear to those who don’t know scripture. 

1 Peter 1:7 KJVS

[7] That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:

When we finally see Christ, only the things in our life which cannot be burned in the fire will make it to Heaven with us. Those things we have done in this life that have brought glory and honor to the Lord Jesus Christ, some of which were absolutely no fun here on earth. But before we get there, I fully believe those works we establish on earth in His name are wafting to Heaven in the form of a scent much like that which comes from the baking of bread. Isn’t that an amazing smell? When freshly baked bread fills the kitchen. 

I imagine a scent much the same when God hears of His saints serving Him boldly in these trouble times. The world needs to see what’s cooking in God’s kitchen, and they can only get a glimpse of that through the life of one of His children. 

Stale Bread

 [40] And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day. [41] The Jews then murmured at him, because he said, I am the bread which came down from heaven. [42] And they said, Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? how is it then that he saith, I came down from heaven? [43] Jesus therefore answered and said unto them, Murmur not among yourselves. [44] No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day. [45] It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me. [46] Not that any man hath seen the Father, save he which is of God, he hath seen the Father. [47] Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me hath everlasting life. [48] I am that bread of life. [49] Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. 

Those pious, religious Jews were missing out on the sweetest experience they could have ever had on this earth. Experiencing God in the flesh. But they were so wrapped up in their stale religion that they missed. I almost did! But praise God for His mercy that lead me to a church that handed out the Bread and Living Water every service and every time they went out in the community. You could tell there was a difference when they passed by, just like you can smell that aroma from the oven when the bread is about to be done. Glory to God! I just wrote myself happy. 

It’s on the Table

[50] This is the bread which cometh down from heaven, that a man may eat thereof, and not die. [51] I am the living bread which came down from heaven: if any man eat of this bread, he shall live for ever: and the bread that I will give is my flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.

While much of this blog has been metaphorically speaking. The word of God through His Spirit makes it clear. Christ was laying it out for the Jews, but they refused it. I’m laying it out for you today, please don’t refuse it if you’ve never experienced Christ. 

Jesus is coming soon, and we need to be ready and have all our friends and family ready. 

2000+ years ago, Christ walked this earth and spoke with people face to face. But now He speaks through the Spirit. Perhaps you feel it. The Salvation of Christ is much like the baking of bread, it’s a process.

The yeast is activated through warm water. And the soul of an unsaved child activated through the Water as well, it’s known as the word of God. When anyone hears the word of God they’re stirred. Whether or not they confess it, the word of God will never return void. But it can be rejected. 

Once accepted things begin to change. The Spirit will rise up in you and give you the assurance that you are a child of the living God. You received that by believing that He loved you enough to die for you. The Jews didn’t believe Christ, His truth angered them, and so they crucified Him just like He prophesied. But He rose again!!!! 

When you make bread you have to punch it down a few times, but then it rises again! Just like Jesus. They crucified Him, mocked Him, Spit on Him, they knocked Him down more than once, but that didn’t stop Him from coming out of that grave to show us that we too could have victory over death in Him. 

Isn’t that a great illustration! If you’d like to know more, message me, or click the “salvation” link at the top of the page. I pray you enjoyed this study of the Bread today. I sure did!

Here’s the Link to Chuck’s song. You might want to get a tissue!

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

Do You See it?

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I’m not sure who it was, but from a testimony in the back of our church during Sunday worship I heard, “See the Need.” It was like the Lord put a post it note up on the bulletin board of my mind and said, remember why you’re here.

Lord: Get my Attention

It’s so easy to get caught up in the day to day of life and forget the purpose of Christianity. Above all it’s to see souls saved, but Christ didn’t only preach, he encouraged and taught the disciples how to take care of the people left in their charge. The world has been left in our charge with a service we’re to provide, can you see the need? We can’t fix the world, but we can one by one, see a need and fulfill it.

A burden on my heart has been the waste in my life.

  • How much food do I throw out in the course of a week that someone, living alone would appreciate?
  • How many clothes do I have that I never wear that someone could use? Not taken to a thrift store (which is fine) but hand delivered to someone so that they could know I care.
  • How many times have I wasted time when I could have called on someone that was sick, provided food or ran an errand?
  • How many times has God laid the prison ministry on my heart and I’ve failed to follow it through?

Matthew 25:35-40 lays it out plain and simple:

For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee?  Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

Lord help me to see the need.

Lord: Give me an Action

I am the queen of good intentions but if I don’t make a plan, it goes in the pile of other unfinished projects. Now that God has my attention, I need to take action. I need to make a list of the needs I see.

  • MHHS Nursing home visitation
  • CRJ Prison ministry evangelization
  • Elderly alone that could use encouragement
  • Clothes that need given away.

These are needs very much in my wheelhouse of completion. I’ve made my list now to get it done. Who or what is on your list?

Lord: Give me Ability

Working in the ministry takes stamina, finances and opportunity. All of which is the Lord’s will and supply and in the discipline of my living. There are things I can do better, rest more, spend less and look for or make opportunity. And by all means prayer should be in every step of the path. Today will be Nursing home visitation, guitar class, and bible journaling. These are God’s plans for me. You’ll have to decide your own. But I can almost guarantee God has laid a burden on your heart already and you’ve seen the need. Let’s get busy!

Posted in Life Inspiration

Finding the “O” in Overwhelmed

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finding the O

It’s not every day that I feel overwhelmed, else my bones would not survive! It’s amazing how the pressures of life can have a physical toll on our bodies. I’m sure the medical professionals would tell us that it was so, but we don’t have to go see a doctor to know that it is; the Bible tells us it is when David said in Psalm 22:14 ~ I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint: my heart is like wax; it is melted in the midst of my bowels.

There are many other mentions of the aches of his bones caused by the pressures within and without. Times when David was so overwhelmed, far greater than anything we’ve likely experienced and before us as an example that we’ll make it! Psalm 77 is one such Psalm that commentary is unclear if this was a personal heartache or a national heartache, but I’m pretty sure we too have both concerns, at least I do. Are you feeling overwhelmed today? Read on!

77:1-6

I cried unto God with my voice, even unto God with my voice; and he gave ear unto me. In the day of my trouble I sought the Lord: my sore ran in the night, and ceased not: my soul refused to be comforted. I remembered God, and was troubled: I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed. Selah. Thou holdest mine eyes waking: I am so troubled that I cannot speak. I have considered the days of old, the years of ancient times. I call to remembrance my song in the night: I commune with mine own heart: and my spirit made diligent search.

It’s Okay to Complain

David said I cried to my God with my voice. Complaining to God isn’t for the purpose of alerting Him we have an issue… He already knows. It’s for the purpose of letting our troubles know… I told God on you! As a kid I was not a tattletale, I hated to see someone get into trouble! But when it comes to Satan and his merry minions who wreak havoc in my life continually I do not mind taking my plight to God. It encourages my soul to know that my worries and heartache are in much more capable hands than mine. God wants to hear from His children, He wants to know it is He Whom we depend upon and not ourselves, but don’t stay in a state of complaint. David couldn’t sleep or speak, his heart was consumed with concern. I’ve seen time and time again where people reject the peace of God and continue wallowing in grief and concern over the issue. I’ve done it!

It’s Opportunity to Commune

Talking to God is an opportunity to encourage your soul and reap the peace that He offers. David communed with his own heart and it is there that he felt overwhelmed. Listen to the questions he was asking… Verse 7-9

Will the Lord cast off for ever? and will he be favourable no more? Is his mercy clean gone for ever? doth his promise fail for evermore?Hath God forgotten to be gracious? hath he in anger shut up his tender mercies? Selah.

David had all but given up when communing with himself! Make sure when you’re praying you’re not just praying to hear yourself complain. I’ve done it. I just wanted to whine! And all I managed to do was heap more despair in my soul. It is God we should be hearing from, not our own heart! David finally realized this when he said in verse 10 “And I said, This is my infirmity: but I will remember the years of the right hand of the most High.”

He essentially said, “I’m making this my problem. And it’s not.” He started reminiscing on what the Most High God had brought him through.

It’s the “O God” of Comfort

Vs. 11-20

 I will remember the works of the Lord: surely I will remember thy wonders of old. I will meditate also of all thy work, and talk of thy doings.  Thy way, O God, is in the sanctuary: who is so great a God as our God? Thou art the God that doest wonders: thou hast declared thy strength among the people. Thou hast with thine arm redeemed thy people, the sons of Jacob and Joseph. Selah. The waters saw thee, O God, the waters saw thee; they were afraid: the depths also were troubled. The clouds poured out water: the skies sent out a sound: thine arrows also went abroad. The voice of thy thunder was in the heaven: the lightnings lightened the world: the earth trembled and shook. Thy way is in the sea, and thy path in the great waters, and thy footsteps are not known. Thou leddest thy people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron.

When David started thinking back on what God had not only brought him through, but the people of his Nation, it was then he got to the “O God” of comfort. Who is so great a God as our God? The God that doest wonders! Our redeemer, the wind and waves obey You, O God!

Are you feeling overwhelmed? Go ahead and complain! It’s okay. But don’t stay there long. Start thinking back about what God has brought you through and it won’t be long until you too will be saying “O God that doest wonders! You got this!” I wrote myself happy today. God is so faithful…

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Posted in Christian Service, Life Inspiration

He knows my Limitations

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God's Got This

Matthew 6:24

No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.

Probably one of the most misused verses to date in my life. Yes, I know there are many, many misused verses, but this is one that I (personally) keep hearing again and again, but only in part.  “No man can serve two masters.” Being used most of the time to insinuate people are serving another god if they don’t do what someone thinks they should do. Scripture taken out of context is a dangerous game. If you read the entire chapter of Matthew 6, there’s a lot packed in there for the believer struggling with life and living by faith. I wasn’t born with a silver spoon in my mouth, I’ve had to work my entire adult life, so when leaving that station in life (or rather having it leave me) faith was amped up to a new level. And I’d be a liar if I told you it’s been easy. It’s an every other day thing. About every other day I have faith. The other day is a doubt day, filled that way by myself and Satan who always has plenty to contribute. So when I read in Matthew 6

25 Therefore I say unto you, Take no thought for your life, what ye shall eat, or what ye shall drink; nor yet for your body, what ye shall put on. Is not the life more than meat, and the body than raiment?

You are what you eat and fashion makes the man the world says, and guilt is laid on pretty thick. And so I keep reading 26-32

Behold the fowls of the air: for they sow not, neither do they reap, nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feedeth them. Are ye not much better than they? Which of you by taking thought can add one cubit unto his stature? And why take ye thought for raiment? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin: And yet I say unto you, That even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. Wherefore, if God so clothe the grass of the field, which to day is, and to morrow is cast into the oven, shall he not much more clothe you, O ye of little faith? Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.

And then I am reminded, God know my needs and He knows my desires, but better than all that He knows my limitations. So He gives me some instruction that was Manna for the day for me.

Verses 33-34

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. Take therefore no thought for the morrow: for the morrow shall take thought for the things of itself. Sufficient unto the day is the evil thereof.

God is limitless. America defines success by the dollar. And that’s where verse 24 comes into context. The other god is money. Hey, I like money! I’ve prayed for money. I need it to pay my bills and when I don’t have it, I get scared. But I cannot allow money to define who I am and how I serve; then I’m serving it and “it” is a god. It’s ruling my decisions and those decisions may put me out of the will of God and that’s scarier than being broke.

But if I seek the Kingdom of God, desiring first to find Him, all of a sudden life’s purpose becomes very clear.

The wise Solomon said in Ecclesiastes 7:11-13

Wisdom is good with an inheritance: and by it there is profit to them that see the sun. For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it. Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which he hath made crooked?

Knowledge and money may protect you from the elements of life that can be seen, but around the bend for which we cannot see, and must travel by faith, lies limitless blessings, that shouldn’t ever be traded for the things of today.

God’s got this…

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Posted in Christian Service, Life Inspiration

What can God do with Nothing?

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on What can God do with Nothing?

chick sign

It’s a question I asked myself all the time, for I’m always wanting to contribute something; I’m never satisfied with being a spectator. I may not be athletic in the sense that this world sees athleticism, but… from the viewpoint of Heaven and the game of life it’s my desire to be on the playing field every quarter of every hour. And when trophies are handed out at the final banquet I want my share, so that I may have the privilege of laying them down at the feet of Christ. I want to hear “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” So this morning I ponder that word nothing…

I fear nothing. Sound arrogant? It’s far from arrogance when I tell you that I fear having nothing. I like stuff. God tells us to be fearful for nothing in Matthew 6:31-33 when He says: “Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”  But in my weak human state I still fear having nothing. Every time I think that I have “unemployed” out of my vocabulary I once again hear myself stutter, if not deny that I am employed by God when asked “Where do you work?” Or “Are you still looking for a job.” And I want to shout at the rooftops, I have a job people! I’m just obviously not very good at portraying that.

Matthew 6 is played out in my life every day. I have stuff. If I were an Oreo I’d be a double stuffed one I have so much stuff! And yet I am ashamed to say, I fear “nothing.”

So I ponder this word this morning…

Nothing. A few facts, and just a few (for there are many) that I discovered about what God can do with nothing.

He can do something.

The God of Last Resort

For the woman with the issue of blood in Mark 5:26 who had suffered many things of many physicians, and had spent all that she had, and was nothing bettered, but rather grew worse, God was her last resort but the final answer, and she was healed. I think nothing is needful before God will work oftentimes. As if to say “go ahead and try the world, see what they can do, and then when you return to me we’ll get this mess straightened out. God works best when there’s nothing to work with.

The God of Left Overs

Matthew 15:32

Then Jesus called his disciples unto him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way.

In the mountains above Galilee the people had brought the lame, blind and dumb, the worst of the worst and Jesus had healed them. They were amazed! He’d restored their feeble bodies and for three days they’d sat in awe of Him having nothing to eat. Jesus had compassion on them and desired to feed the hungry masses but all that was there was a few leftovers, seven loaves of bread a few little fishes. The people had nothing, and the disciples had almost nothing in comparison to the 4,000 men and likely as many or more women and children. And yet when God blessed those left overs, they did all eat, and were filled: and they took up of the broken meat that was left seven baskets full.

The crowd didn’t even pay a cover charge! They came as broken, empty vessels but after being in His presence and at His mercy they left full. There was still left overs. Little is much when God is in it!

The God of the Last Minute

1 Corinthians 4:5

Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

In the darkest hours of my life, when I thought there was no hope at all I stood amazed every time that God was waiting to do something.  But He didn’t do anything before His time. When I doubted God about being the Jesus Chick, He waited until every job available in my community had been exhausted and I had nothing, so that He could be my something. As I finished today’s blog, and point by point came to fruition I stood amazed (not because I am anything) but because God used nothing and made something. He answered me again… Shari this is who you are. You’re my messenger. Judge nothing before it’s time.

  • The woman was healed
  • The multitude was filled
  • Shari was sealed

God always does something.

Job 26:7

He stretcheth out the north over the empty place, and hangeth the earth upon nothing.

If God can hang an entire universe in the vastness of space upon nothing what is it for Him to hang a shingle outside my door that says “The Jesus Chick.

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Posted in Christian Service, Grace, Life's Failures, Prayer, Purpose

Rededication – Getting back to God’s Plan

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on Rededication – Getting back to God’s Plan

chick bethelIf I asked you this morning how your relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ is, what would be your answer? It’s not a comfortable question, because if we’re truthful, none of us are walking as close to the Lord as we should be. At the end of Wednesday night teen class last night all the teens had cleared out with the exception of a few girls who wanted to talk (such an honor!). One of those young ladies had made the decision to rededicate her life to Christ and her friend encouraged the way.   She wanted to put a marker down that she could look back at and say “This is the day I moved closer to Christ.” While the renewal of our mind should be an everyday occurance because of the garbage that travels through it in the course of a day, rededication is a more serious event. I think of it much like the time in Jacob’s life when he left home. In my mind’e eye I always picture him as a young man, but in truth he was past the age of retirement when he left his parents home heading toward Haran (Genesis 28:10). That puts a some what different perspective on his behavior and a certain need for a getting his heart right with God.

He’d lied to his father, deceived his brother, and his mommy made him run away at 70 years old… I think it was time. His first night on his own wasn’t in an apartment in the city it was on a hillside with a pile of rocks for his pillow and there he found himself with night dreams, visions and a lot of time on his hands. It’s those harsh nights that get me too. When your mind won’t stop reeling of the things in life that are not as they should be and darkness has a tendency to bring things to light… Like the need for a right heart with God.

Jacob’s dream: (Genesis 28:12-15)

And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and behold the angels of God ascending and descending on it. And, behold, the Lord stood above it, and said, I am the Lord God of Abraham thy father, and the God of Isaac: the land whereon thou liest, to thee will I give it, and to thy seed; And thy seed shall be as the dust of the earth, and thou shalt spread abroad to the west, and to the east, and to the north, and to the south: and in thee and in thy seed shall all the families of the earth be blessed. And, behold, I am with thee, and will keep thee in all places whither thou goest, and will bring thee again into this land; for I will not leave thee, until I have done that which I have spoken to thee of.

16 And Jacob awaked out of his sleep, and he said, Surely the Lord is in this place; and I knew it not.

For me that was the equivalency of arriving at church, and at the end of service saying, “Wow! I had no idea God hung out here.” I’m pretty sure there are some folks who still don’t know… but I digress. God had met Jacob there and he didn’t know until he awoke from his sleep. That’s the time of rededication! When you wake up and realize that God is trying to move in your life and you’ve been so far from God’s mindset that you had no idea. When He created us, He spoke a plan but then we get off track. As a child of God we all want it… you know… God to do something great in our lives, but we start going through religious motions. We can do it in our sleep. Don’t cuss, don’t chew, don’t date the guys who do (especially if you’re married), go to church, treat people right and so on and so forth. And then church becomes less of a priority, but we still treat people right! Jacob didn’t even do that. He likely felt as low as a snails belly! He knew he’d messed up.

God wanted to do great things in his life, but first Jacob was going to have to come to terms with God, on God’s terms.

Vs. 17-22

And he was afraid, and said, How dreadful is this place! this is none other but the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven. And Jacob rose up early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put for his pillows, and set it up for a pillar, and poured oil upon the top of it. And he called the name of that place Bethel: but the name of that city was called Luz at the first. And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on, So that I come again to my father’s house in peace; then shall the Lord be my God: And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God’s house: and of all that thou shalt give me I will surely give the tenth unto thee.

Jacob put that stone down as marker in Bethel (which means house of God) as a reminder that he and God and renewed their relationship in that place. Do you have to be in church? No, but it sure helps set the tone! My young friend had come to church last night with the need to lay a marker down. I can’t wait to see what God does with her life! She’s entering her first year in high school and was ecstatic that a church across the street from her high school was opened once a week by the senior class for a prayer lunch. A group of young people returning back to the place God began dwelling many years ago… What do you think might happen there? Revival!!!!! I hope.

Let’s all go to the Rock! Age doesn’t matter, but God needs us to get back to the plan.

Posted in Leadership, Life Inspiration

How to be Fashionably Late

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on How to be Fashionably Late

chick time

I have a friend or two and a relative or two who are most usually late for meetings and events. It’s not that they’re irresponsible or forgetful, they are some of the most responsible and intellectual people I know… it’s just that their prep time is longer than usual. Perhaps they need prompters to help them along. I’m about to take Mark 2 in places it may have never gone before, and for some of my Bible Scholar friends, they may prefer not to travel this road with me at all. But it’s on my mind today.

I love it when a preacher speculates about the story around the story; adlibbing conversations that may or may not, most likely did not, occur around a biblical event. My nephew Robert preached on Mark 2 last night at his home church, and he just wowed his ol’ Aunt Shari at what an amazing work God is doing in his life. Isn’t that the kind of work that God always does? Amazing!

This morning that scripture is still heavy on my heart, but not in the context that Robert preached it… I’m thinking about the story of the four men who carried their friend to church from an entirely different perspective.

Fashionably Loud

Mark 2:1-3

And again he entered into Capernaum after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house. And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them. And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four.

What a church service! Loud, crowded and the roof blown off. That’s just how I like mine.

Why is it that ¾ (or greater) of the churches in America feel the need to sit and soak… or sulk. They’re more resemble a funeral than praise and worship. What part of “Worship” hour did you not understand when you arrived at church. I’d rather see someone late and loud, than on time and dead. I love seeing people so desperate to see God move that they’re willing to take extreme measures to make it happen. So they got there late… I’m sure it was not an easy task for the four of them to carry this guy from his home. Nor is it always easy for that Momma or Daddy to get their brood bundled up and on their way. When they finally got there they were likely hot and tired, not willing to wait any longer. They were late enough! There’s got to be another way in… “Hey nobody’s using the roof!”

Fashionably Lead

Mark 2:4-5

And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay. When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.

The man sick of the palsy could not get himself to Jesus, so his 4 friends not only lead the way up they broke it up. They were desperate to get to him to the Lord and they didn’t care how big of a scene it created. Sometimes it’s necessary for leadership to make a scene in order to get things stirred up and the Spirit moving. How far are you willing to go to hear the Lord say to your friend “thy sins be forgiven thee.”

Fashionably loose

Mark 2:12

And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.

And thus where my thought derived from this morning. They’d never saw it in that fashion. What fashion? I expect that he not only walked… he walked with style. Possibly what they’d call a swagger. He may have even danced a jig. There’s something about a new convert that can be visibly seen, if they’re lucky it never fades. Well… I don’t want to say lucky, let’s use the word blessed! When you’ve been bound by sickness or sin either one, and you’re suddenly free of it you understand the value of being “loose.” It changes the way you walk and talk and people notice. You have the freedom to speak and act with boldness!

Are you a fashionista? Are you loud, are you a leader, are you loose? (in the godly way of course.) Let’s make some noise for Jesus today!

Posted in Christian Service, Evangelism, Life Inspiration

The Skeptical Saint

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on The Skeptical Saint

ptl chick

As a baby Christian I often stood in awe at some of the antics people played with the local church. Case in point: One evening following a potluck dinner the church members were making their way to the sanctuary from the social room. There were still a few folks clearing dishes and chatting about when a couple and their children came through the door. We greeted them with Baptist’s niceties and welcomed them in. Not long after that they began to share their story of hardship and how they were traveling through the area in need of food and gasoline to make it on to a very important destination. It’s been too long for me to remember all the details. But the details I do remember make me nauseous still today.

Victory Baptist Church is one of the most loving churches I’ve ever encountered. Immediately our guests were offered the food from our dinner, which was no small amount of some of the finest homemade foods you could lay eyes on. They were then told to fill their bellies full and when they were finished they could go to a local gas station where we would arrange for them to fill up their car on credit. They declined it all, they much preferred cash.

What?

Over my nearing twenty years of salvation I’ve seen similar events take place time and time again. It’s not long until you begin to get a skeptical heart towards people needing help. You want to help, but are they for real? I find the same truth in business. Not every “Christian” organization is on the up and up.  For some they know that it’s a tender market and not always monitored by astute financial leaders of the church. Or perhaps they truly believe in what they’re doing and unknowingly sell a church on unnecessary products or services. So I’m skeptical of people in need, businesses and non-profits who tout success and blow their own horns.

It’s also why the Pocket Testament League has been such a blessing. I was recommended by a friend to apply for an ambassador’s position, which I did, and was accepted. I read the background of the ministry which in short was began in 1893 as the vision of a teenage girl named Helen Cadbury, daughter of the president of Cadbury Chocolates. She was so excited about sharing her faith that she organized a group of girls who sewed pockets onto their dresses to carry the small New Testaments her father had provided. The girls called their group “The Pocket Testament League.” Using small membership cards, they pledged to read a portion of the Bible every day, pray, and to share their faith as God provided opportunity. That same vision still drives the ministry today. (https://www.ptl.org/about/history.php)

So what does that have to do with my story of the skeptical saint? First… Who wouldn’t trust a fella that makes Cadbury eggs? Secondly, over my almost 20 years of salvation I’ve also learned to try the spirit.

1 John 4:1

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

As children of God we are warned not to trust everyone, and God has instilled in us a discernment for such matters of the heart. The world would call it a “gut” feeling. Leave your gut to discern the taste of Cadbury chocolates, but when trying the spirit of a new person or organization, leave that one to God. If possible make no rash decisions, my best way of getting myself into a mess is to leap first and then start looking for a net; that’s my best described personality trait. But God said no, test the waters… there are people out there who want to take you for a ride.

The Pocket Testament League (PTL) has a Spirit of God. They’ve asked me for nothing. I’m provided the KJV Gospel of John Testaments, (other versions are available, I prefer only KJV) which also clearly outline salvation, to share with people one on one that I meet along the way or in larger quantities for speaking events. I do send them a donation each time I order because God laid it on my heart to that, and without request people have read or heard my story of the PTL and provided funds to help me out. No, that’s not a request, just a statement of truth that God is so good at not only speaking to our hearts when something is of Him, but providing for His children.

It’s a hurting world out there. People need to see generous, loving saints of God (even the crooks need Jesus). So try the spirit of those you meet, ask God if they’re for real and then love on them the best way you can regardless.

If you choose to take a part in The Pocket Testament League please provide them with my PTL Member ID#  which is 574096 when offered the opportunity. Thanks and God Bless!

Posted in Fear, Life Inspiration

From Fear to Faith with Apostle Paul

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on From Fear to Faith with Apostle Paul

chick scaredy pants

Faith… We study it, share it, preach it and proclaim it over the hurdles we must jump, but every new predicament in life brings us back to the beginning of striving again to obtain that mustard seed of faith that will bring us through. After almost twenty years of salvation, one would think that I have would have obtained great faith… after all, I’m the Jesus Chick right? And yet it takes so little to get my knees knocking and heart trembling. But as He always does, God shows me that I’m in the good company of Apostle Paul who boldly preached in the face of death, yet he had his knee knocking moments as well. So this morning I’m looking to shore up my faith in the Word of God. If you’re needing a prop or two in your life I hope you’ll come along with me as I unpack  1 Corinthians 2:1-5

And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

Mr. & Mrs. Smarty Pants

I am forever trying to plot out life in my own wisdom. In comparison to the wisdom of Paul I would still be in pre-school, and yet the Apostle Paul said that he was determined to know nothing but Christ. Regardless of the level of your intelligence, the letters behind your name or in front of your name, if you seek to know anything outside of the wisdom and will of God you’re in trouble. The first step to living in faith is stop thinking on your own and remember the price that God paid for you.

If God. The Creator and Knower of all designed you and your life, and then sent His Son to the cross of Calvary to pay for your life, will He not continue to care for it and put everything in your path to take you where He wants you to go. You and I are precious commodities in the Kingdom of God. We are the vessels that He pours Himself into and then places people and events in our path to bring glory to His Kingdom. Sometimes the paths are hard, but how much easier would it be if we just rode the wave rather than constantly fighting the current of the high waters about our neck. God’s got this.

Scaredy Pants

But I’m afraid! Paul was too! He said he was weak, afraid and trembling. That sounds pretty serious to me. Now granted… Paul was facing people who wanted him dead… What you and I usually face is far less, but God understands our fear. Paul, a learned scholar, didn’t rely on the wisdom that he had acquired through men, but allowed the Spirit of God to take over his faculties and bring the message to the people.

It’s hard to let loose of fear, because actually it’s the other way around, fear has a hold on us.  What bothers me this morning was lying in bed beside of me. (No, it wasn’t David) It was this ever present feeling of uncertainty. It was on my mind when I laid down and occupied my pillow throughout the night. So this morning I allowed God to lay hands on it. I don’t have that power! It is only through the Holy Spirit that I can be brave for today.

That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God.

If we are to stand in faith we cannot stand in the wisdom of man, because man just doesn’t get it. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen ~ Hebrews 11:1