purpose – Page 6 – The Jesus Chick

Posted in Christian Service, Evangelism, Life Inspiration, Praise, testimony, Word of God, worship

How to live a life that’s Pleasing to God

Written by talk2shari Published July 27, 2022July 28, 2022 Discussion Leave a Comment

I sang at the Long Term Care Unit in Grantsville on Monday, and it was such a privilege. To sit across from them once again and sing and converse, which had all but stopped in the Covid era, and should now not be taken for granted. We are called to minister to the sick and aged, and the church as a whole is failing them. Collectively we fail the young and old. We fail to disciple the young, minister to the aged and encourage all others. O’boy. That’s not very encouraging is it. Please hang on, I promise I’ll get there.

How’s Your Walk?

Paul told the Church in Colossians 1:10-29 KJV
[10] That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; [11] Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness;

Worthiness is not something that I often feel. It’s a good thing my worthiness is not dependent upon my performance, but rather my standing in Christ. My standing is the fact that I am saved by the blood of Jesus, no more no less. But do I please Him with my walk? That’s a good question. When I think of walking with the Lord, that’s an action outside the church building. Are we being fruitful in good work outside of the building? I know in my own life that gets so busy with earthly minded things, the Kingdom of God isn’t high on my list of priorities. Just being real. Ridgeview News is wonderful, I absolutely love it, but it has taken it’s toll on my time with God and my work for God. My walk’s a little lame.

How’s Your Praise?

[12] Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: [13] Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: [14] In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

I had not had a serious praise session with Jesus until I attended “David” in Lancaster, PA. When I say serious praise, I speak of a hand raising, tear streaming, glory to God moment. That makes me very sad. Those sessions have never been every day, but they used to be far more frequent that of recent times. The reason? There’s several. But for certain I need praise in my life with Christ and to Christ. Should we not take the time to praise Him when we think on what He has saved us from and “translate us to?”

Twice the word translate is written in scripture. Here in Colossians and again in Hebrews when the writer speaks of Enoch: “By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death, and was not found, because God had translated him for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.”

Wait…? God took him home because he pleased God by the way he walked? Interesting, is it not? I guess I know why I’ve not disappeared. Enoch was translated; taken into the very presence of God because his testimony pleased God. A portion of our testimony has got to be praising God for His deliverance of our souls out of the hand of the demonic forces of Satan on this earth, and into the Heavenly Kingdom where He awaits our arrival. We have reason to rejoice friends. We need a good praise and worship time in our life!

How’s Your Purpose?

[15] Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature: [16] For by him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or dominions, or principalities, or powers: all things were created by him, and for him: [17] And he is before all things, and by him all things consist. [18] And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence. [19] For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell;[20] And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. [21] And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconcile [22] In the body of his flesh through death, to present you holy and unblameable and unreproveable in his sight: [23] If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;

That’s a chunk of scripture to swallow at one time, but every time I went to end what I would use here, I could not for it would change the meaning of what I needed to say for God’s glory.

When I ask myself “how’s your purpose?” It stings. I’ve always known, even as a child, that I had purpose. That sound arrogant and believe me there’s nothing but humility in the statement. But as early as nine, I recall conversations with God, though at the time I only knew enough to be dangerous. Now I only know enough to be slightly less than dangerous. But I knew God had a purpose for me in this world and I knew it was to speak and write. I did not know how, but I knew it to be the case. So when I think about how God got me to where I am today, I realize that I do not take that role near serious enough. I was created for God’s purpose. You were created for God’s purpose. Are we walking in it in a way that pleases God? That is the question of the day. I can answer for myself with a firm “No.”

I need to do better.

How’s Your Confidence?

Paul had great confidence that God had set him aside with a purpose so mighty that the was willing to walk away from the life he lived and die for the life Christ gave him.

[24] Who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up that which is behind of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the church: [25] Whereof I am made a minister, according to the dispensation of God which is given to me for you, to fulfil the word of God; [26] Even the mystery which hath been hid from ages and from generations, but now is made manifest to his saints: [27] To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: [28] Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: [29] Whereunto I also labour, striving according to his working, which worketh in me mightily.

Paul had such confidence in what Christ was doing in him and through him. He knew he was called to the Gentiles. To deliver a mystery to the church. Who doesn’t love a good mystery? But what’s even better than the mystery, is being the one that that is given the answer to it! that’s us! God has given us the answer to the great mystery among the Gentiles, in that we are a people of purpose. Just as the Jews had purpose as God’s chosen, and will again. We have purpose now on this earth to lead souls to the almighty knowledge of God, given to us through the word of God. Oh glory!!!!

For me today that’s such a reason to rejoice. That in these fingers, in this tiny house, in this tiny State, God gave me a purpose for the massive Kingdom. And that purpose is to encourage the believers. Glory! I pray I’ve done that for you, because this word has certainly encouraged my own soul today.

Posted in Uncategorized

Do you every grow weary of the Noise?

Written by talk2shari Published May 23, 2022May 23, 2022 Discussion Leave a Comment

Do you ever grow weary of noise? Oh my stars! I long for silence much of the time. There are sounds I enjoy, such as the sounds of laughter and joy from my grandchildren and other family. That makes my heart happy and I could listen to it all day. But there are sounds such as the television, traffic, cell phones, machines, etc… Some days I just long to escape to an island. Not an island far away, perhaps one in the middle of a pond or lake in West Virginia that I could return home quickly when I needed my noise makers. But then there are the noises of the world, they frustrate me to the point of anger. A line I’ve drawn in the imaginary sand prevents me from acting on that anger, but it’s still there none the less. I’m just being honest. I’m not violent, and that’s really good, because if I were I fear I’d be dangerous.

A massive pet peeve of mine is to be talked down to, or worse, to see someone I love being talked down to, laughed at, or made fun of. I just can’t take it. I wonder what Matthew thought when he seen the friends of a certain ruler laugh at his Lord? I know how I feel now when I hear people laugh at my Lord. I’m angry. I would be like Simon Peter when the the guards came after Jesus in the garden. I’d be needing to cut someone’s ear off and say “can you hear me now?” Yes, I’d probably be that snarky.

Noise has been on my mind a lot lately. Daily the word has come into my thoughts.

The first place noise is found in the Bible is the noise of God.

Exodus 20:18 KJV
[18] And all the people saw the thunderings, and the lightnings, and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking: and when the people saw it, they removed, and stood afar off.

As Moses stood on the Mount receiving the law, the people trembled in fear at the foot of the mountain, not wanting any part of what was happening. It was the first fire works show! God was laying out ten very simple rules for His people to follow and being quiet wasn’t one of them. It’s why I love to say Amen! In church. And “Glorrrraaayyyyy!” These were not words I grew up with in church. But I have grown into them since the day of my salvation. Perhaps when Moses and God were on the mountain God was telling Him how this was going to play out in the future, and the sounds on the mountain were the sounds God made as He explained salvations plan. That is complete interjection by me with no biblical foundation whatsoever, but I have to wonrder what made God so noisy when the law was being given? And at what point did church become silent?

Another mention of godly noise is that of the noise made regarding the fall of the wall of Jericho:

Joshua 6:26-27 KJV
[26] And Joshua adjured them at that time, saying, Cursed be the man before the Lord, that riseth up and buildeth this city Jericho: he shall lay the foundation thereof in his firstborn, and in his youngest son shall he set up the gates of it. [27] So the Lord was with Joshua; and his fame was noised throughout all the country.

God was with Moses when He gave Him the law and He was with Joshua when, without so much as a finger being lifted, the wall of Jericho and the houses there in were destroyed. Because God was with them. When God is on our side there should be noise! People were flapping their gums everywhere about what had happened with God’s people. When’s the last time we heard noise like that? It’s happened in my lifetime and in ministries I’ve been a part of, but it’s been a while since I’ve heard the noise of people speaking of God doing something in the church. I long for that noise again.

And then there was the noise of the religious and the wicked of Jesus’ day that are still here today and it makes me want to puke that people make light of what God said was holy.

Matthew 9:18-26 KJV
[18] While he spake these things unto them, behold, there came a certain ruler, and worshipped him, saying, My daughter is even now dead: but come and lay thy hand upon her, and she shall live. [19] And Jesus arose, and followed him, and so did his disciples. [20] And, behold, a woman, which was diseased with an issue of blood twelve years, came behind him, and touched the hem of his garment: [21] For she said within herself, If I may but touch his garment, I shall be whole. [22] But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour. [23] And when Jesus came into the ruler’s house, and saw the minstrels and the people making a noise, [24] He said unto them, Give place: for the maid is not dead, but sleepeth. And they laughed him to scorn. [25] But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose. [26] And the fame hereof went abroad into all that land.

Jesus never conducted a funeral. but the minstrels (aka pickers and singers) were already at the house preparing the funeral march. But Jesus wasn’t about the funeral, He was about the fun, the fun of restoring life. While the noise of religion played around Him, Jesus brought the girl back to life again. They were shocked! But the death march was turned into a dance of rejoicing. Oh God bring us some noise like that.

As I said, I grow weary of the noise of this world trying to convince me that God is not Who He says He is. Much like those who mocked Jesus when He said the girl just sleeps, the world still has a mouth full of mockery. Those who do not know Christ, trying to convince me that life is better without Him. But my question for myself is “how am I doing at convincing the world they’re better off with Him?” I have the power within me, the Spirit of God, to shut down the noise. It is I who opt in to listen, to let it aggravate me.

What about you? Has Jesus changed your life? If so, tell us about it! If you’d like to know more about having a life that is fresh and new, give me call or email me at talk2shari@gmail.com

Blessings! ~ Shari, the Jesus Chick

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The Concerns of the Called of Christ

Written by talk2shari Published February 18, 2022February 18, 2022 Discussion Leave a Comment

As a child of God, there is a question foremost in my mind, most of the time. “Why do I feel like such a failure in service to God?” I attempt to remain faithful to the calling in my life, but I am no Apostle Paul, nor even an “Apostlette Pauline” I allow the flood waters of life to come up around my neck and make me feel as if I’m drowning. Of course I cannot be because I am a child of God and He protects me from that defeat, but the emotion of being peril is very much real. Using the word peril may seem a tad dramatic. But then again so am I. Those flood waters that have come upon me are not killing me but can, if I don’t get a grip on it, kill my effectiveness for the Kingdom.

In 2nd Corinthians Paul is telling a group of believers of his struggles, which in comparison make mine look like someone just took my binky. But in what I feel is frustration on Paul’s part with the Corinthians, and the danger of them being overtaken in false doctrine and religion, he tells them of his foundation in his identity:

2 Corinthias 11

Called out in Christ

²²Are they Hebrews? so am I. Are they Israelites? so am I. Are they the seed of Abraham? so am I.

Paul is calling out the religious of the day, who think they are above all because of their position in Jewish Religion. They love saying that they are the chosen of God even though at this present time in scripture, they have forsaken Him, killed His only begotten Son and murdered His ministers. A notion we should keep in mind when dealing with religious people. They are not friends of God, because a friend of God put’s himself or herself above no man or woman because they understand that in Christ we are sinners saved by His grace alone.

Confident in His Calling

²³Are they ministers of Christ? (I speak as a fool) I am more; in labours more abundant, in stripes above measure, in prisons more frequent, in deaths oft. ²⁴Of the Jews five times received I forty stripes save one. ²⁵Thrice was I beaten with rods, once was I stoned, thrice I suffered shipwreck, a night and a day I have been in the deep;

Paul let’s them know that the life of a child of God isn’t tea and roses. It’s filled with struggles, persecution and conflict. But the world would have you to believe otherwise. He had told them earlier in this chapter in verse 3 “But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.”

Paul worried about people of Corinth falling to lies of Satan and those who serve him. And even though a saved person is saved from the wrath of Hell, a loss of confidence can occur when certain things happen in their lives:

Ungodly influences
Failure to attend a local church
Listening to false doctrine
Failure to pursue your relationship with God

The last item on that list is the easiest for me to fall to and lose my confidence in what I know in Christ. If I do not stay in the word of God, when someone comes to me with a question or I’m witnessing to someone, I am not at all confident in my ability to relay God’s word in a manner they’ll understand. Paul knew that, and he knew that the people of Corinth were listening to people who were leading them astray, deceiving them as Satan deceived Eve in the garden by twisting the word of God. We need to understand that all who preach Christ, do not necessarily preach Him correctly.

So how do we protect ourselves? Read the word yourself! Allow the Spirit to speak to you and He’ll reveal the truth. God is faithful. It’s in those times that you will build your confidence, just as I am this morning as I read and study God’s word.

Concerned for the Churches

²⁶In journeyings often, in perils of waters, in perils of robbers, in perils by mine own countrymen, in perils by the heathen, in perils in the city, in perils in the wilderness, in perils in the sea, in perils among false brethren; ²⁷In weariness and painfulness, in watchings often, in hunger and thirst, in fastings often, in cold and nakedness. ²⁸Beside those things that are without, that which cometh upon me daily, the care of all the churches.

In all the struggles and perils that Paul had, the real kind of peril, not my kind. Paul never stopped concerning himself for God’s people.

In the first two verses of chapter 11 Paul speaks to the depth of his concern: Would to God ye could bear with me a little in my folly: and indeed bear with me. ²For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.

While I make no profession of being as committed as Paul, I have that concern with the Jesus Chick Ministry that I will fail you in my work for Christ. I love each one of you who take the time to read these posts and pray, “Would to God, we are together in glory.” Amen.

Posted in Christian Service, Evangelism, Faith, Family, Leadership, Life Inspiration, Purpose

I’m Telling the Family Secret

Written by talk2shari Published December 30, 2021December 31, 2021 Discussion Leave a Comment

I’m in awe every day that God does not strike a bolt from Heaven and say “Enough is enough Shari, you’re obviously as bright as you’re ever going to be so just come on home with Me.”

And if you think I’m being dramatic… well you’d be right, that’s who I am, but I’m being very honest. So when He (the Lord) keeps speaking scripture to my soul until it takes root, I’m humbled with the His patience. I’ve been stalled in the books of little John lately. Suggested reading from people, my bible being randomly open to it. I believe those are God events that He uses to take my hand and lead me when I’m stumbling on my own. Some days I absolutely feel like a toddler in the spiritual realm.

So today, on this platform, I make an announcement that’s been a long time in the making, but just a recent decision to “just do it.” It wasn’t until some recent events that it became more of just a passing thought, but had turned into a driven obsession. And so Ridgeview News was born. I plan on picking up the torch that Bob Weaver carried so very well for many years. I don’t say that lightly. Bob Weaver and I butted heads on more than one occasion. But, that’s life and that my friends is water under a bridge and way down around the bend. We’re moving on.

With an air of transparency I’ll also tell you that my husband David isn’t overly thrilled. That might be putting it lightly. I think his final word on the matter was, “Do what you want, but I don’t want any part of it.” Bob Weaver’s not the only one I’ve butted heads with over the years, David and I have 42 years of not always seeing eye to eye. His concern about this is what anyone with any sense would have. Truth isn’t always a welcome subject. But when the road’s been rough we’ve stayed true to one another and I will tell your flat footed and eye to eye, he is my rock.

The only one who’s almost as excited as I am, or maybe as excited is my daughter Whitney who will be the staff reporter and all things sports and community. Talk about drama! She is David and I put together and on steroids drama! That’s how we love her. My oldest daughter Tiffani, who is RN will be a feature writer when she so chooses and has the time on medical matters or anything else on her heart.

What we’re most excited about is being the voice of truth, which is needed in every community. Someone has to inform the community of decisions being made on their behalf. It’s not healthy to live in the dark. So we’re picking up this lantern and we’ll be shining the light in every decision making office and position in the community. I’m not looking for dirt. I’m seeking truth. How else can I be the Jesus Chick and the Ridgeview News Publisher without it?

In the book of 3 John, he writes to his friend Gaius, who he loves in the truth…

3 John 1:1-14 KJV

[1] The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth. [2] Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. [3] For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth. [4] I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

Again and again he heralds his friend for the truth. We all say we want it, but do we? It’s at times very painful. John went on to tell of his friends faithfulness to not only his friends in the faith, but strangers as well. Everyone wants someone they can trust, Gaius was that person for many of the people in their town. I doubt it came out of nowhere. I’m sure time and time again he had proven himself trustworthy. He was not only trusted, he was a leader of people in the right direction.

[5] Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers; [6] Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well: [7] Because that for his name’s sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles. [8] We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.

Fellow helpers of the truth! Isn’t that an awesome title to give someone one. But not everyone was a fan of John and Gaius. There was jerk named Diotrephes that John called out. He cracked me up when he showed his holy hostility and righteous rage to this fella who thought he was all that and bag of chips and had the right to rid himself of anyone he didn’t care for.

[9] I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. [10] Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.

John said Diotrephes had an attitude of arrogance about him. Does that not describe the vast majority of leadership in America today? How dare we question who they are and the positions they hold. How dare we not? They’re funded by public money, making decision for God’s people in ungodly ways. We need to know when that happens, and we also need to know when the good happens as well. We need that encouragement daily!

John covered that too!

[11] Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God. [12] Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record; and ye know that our record is true. [13] I had many things to write, but I will not with ink and pen write unto thee: [14] But I trust I shall shortly see thee, and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to thee. Our friends salute thee. Greet the friends by name.

Over and over John mentions truth. Truth is the only place you’ll find true peace in your life. That my friends is what I’m praying for us all. More truth. More peace. More Joy in 2022.

Please pray for our family. We’re ready for the adventure, but it will not be a journey worth taking without God’s will and God’s people, my friends, along for the ride.

Our first issue will “hopefully” be live January 1, 2022.

Posted in Christian, Christmas, Eternity, Faith, Family

Don’t let Satan Hijack Christmas

Written by talk2shari Published December 23, 2021December 23, 2021 Discussion Leave a Comment

Nobody knows the story of Christmas better than God, Who created Christmas. But high in the realm of knowledge of the eschaton (the final event in the end time plans) is Satan. Who though he is not all knowing, he knew enough to know that God’s Son would play a vital roll in the salvation of the world and his own demise. Although I’m sure Satan fully believes that he is wiser than God and will win in the end because that is the level of his arrogance. That is the level of arrogance of anyone who thinks they’ll survive eternity without Christ as Savior. Just like Satan, you can know God. You know who Christ is. But if you have not accepted Him as Lord, as the Creator of all the earth, and the Creator of you, you’ll have no place in Paradise.

Satan has always attempted to hijack Christmas. Just like the terrorist on the planes the day of the 9/11 attacks, Satan will go down with the plane he thinks is a plan, and just like that day, he’ll take down many of God’s creation to the pits of Hell, who were never intended to go there. They were victims of hijacked bodies. Those who allowed the flesh to rule the soul rather than relinquishing it back to God for His purpose.

Matthew 2 picks up the story of Christmas of the wise men from the east. They were wise because they knew the Word of God and knew that the Messiah’s arrival came with signs and one of which was a star in the east.

[1] 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, [2] 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 so the wise men traveled to find He that was born King of the Jews, and he that was king in the world wasn’t happy. Herod, another man born of arrogance thought that he too could hijack Christmas through deception. There’s a reason scripture calls the wise men “wise.” It’s what the word of God calls anyone who chooses to seek the wisdom and will of God. Can I get a witness on that!!!

My dear friend Dewey Moede called me yesterday and suggested that I read a text in Proverbs 1 that would help with my current state of mind. He was right…

It says in Proverbs 1:22-26 KJV

[22] How long, ye simple ones, will ye love simplicity? and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge? [23] Turn you at my reproof: behold, I will pour out my spirit unto you, I will make known my words unto you. [24] Because I have called, and ye refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no man regarded; [25] But ye have set at nought all my counsel, and would none of my reproof: [26] I also will laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear cometh;

Not that I am the wisest of the wise by any stretch of imagination, but Dewey wasn’t calling me simple either. This scripture is a reminder that those who set out to hijack any part of the life of a child of God, and cause us pain or heartache will not answer to us, nor will God’s plans and purposes be interrupted by their hijack attempt.

In the text of the book of Matthew Herod didn’t want the knowledge of God or anything to do with God. That would have meant that there was someone greater than himself. Satan thinks he has the knowledge of God, but as prophecy has proven again and again, it is the fool that ignores the truth. When Herod heard that there were wise men seeking the promised Messiah, he was more than a little concerned. I would go so far as to say he was freaked out. I would venture a guess that the same reaction that many will have in this world when the rapture occurs, and they knew the sign. But didn’t do anything about it until it was too late. And then they’ll try to stop God’s plan again, and again, it won’t be stopped. Herod couldn’t stop it when God’s plan was playing out with a new born Baby, and two very inexperienced young people who were given the job of HIs caretakers. They were given that job, Joseph and Mary, parental units of God, not because they were mighty but because they listened when God spoke. That’s all it takes to become a part of God’s master plan is to listen! I just wrote myself so happy! That’s what I want for Christmas. I want to take back the plane that Satan is trying to hijack in the world.

The wise men were mighty in the world’s view, but they were placed in those positions because like Joseph they listened. Matthew 2

12] And being warned of God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way. [13] And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and his mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy him. [14] When he arose, he took the young child and his mother by night, and departed into Egypt: [15] And was there until the death of Herod: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I called my son.

So Joseph and Mary too the Lord Himself down into Egypt, always representing the world, and there they stayed until they received word again that they were safe. Even though they were taken away from family, career and all things normal, the plan never failed. God’s plan of action for the salvation of man continued from the infancy, through the life and through the death of Jesus Christ. There was no hijacking the metaphorical plane Christ was on. It’s destination is eternity and it’s fueled by the Spirit of God.

And that is my launching point into the next few days of the Christmas season that can get so messed up by the things in this world. In a little more than 24 hours I need to finish 13 projects, bake Christmas cookies, plan lunch for my kids Christmas tomorrow at noon, clean house and keep my sanity. All this after having had a pretty bad few weeks personally, and been physically very ill for 4 days. It’s a good thing I like critters because my house looks a lot like a stable. 😂

How ever… I have a plan. I’m going to keep going. That’s what those wise men did!

10] When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. [11] 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.

Tomorrow, Lord willing, I’ll present my gifts (worth far less than gold, frankincense and myrrh). They won’t be gifts to Christ but they’ll be gifts to celebrate Him and what He has entrusted me with. This family, this time, this life.

Nothing that Satan has done. Nothing that has been allowed to come into our lives for what ever reasons we can not understand can hijack Christmas if we remember that this is the plan. The completed project won’t come until eternity, but it will come. And when the plan is finished, and the final event has unfolded we will be given the gift of peace and happiness in their perfected forms. Glory to God can you imagine!

The wise men, Mary, Joseph and all the characters of Christmas are experiencing that ahead of us, but they’re waiting for us to get to the party. Keeping celebrating! And let nothing in this world keep you from Christmas.

Matthew 2:1-23 KJV

Posted in Christian, Evangelism, Faith, Family, Life Inspiration

Stuff I have to remember not to forget

Written by talk2shari Published December 16, 2021December 16, 2021 Discussion Leave a Comment

2 Peter 3:1 KJV

[1] This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you; in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance:

God and I have conversations almost daily now where I ask Him to remind me of stuff I gotta remember not to forget. And so it is with the aging process. I removed a pair of my youngest grandson’s jeans from the dryer (I first typed trousers and then realized how old I sounded)… anyway… Parker had worn them to my house the other day, and either left naked or changed into something else he left here, I’m not sure, but the point of this story is, I noted when he wore them they needed hemmed. And so when I folded them, I asked God to remind me when I got home from work, to hem those jeans.

That same mindset was in Peter’s thoughts as he wrote the final chapter of his second epistle. Not about laundry, but he reminds us not to forget. Not to forget that this earth for which tree hugging liberals are so concerned about is one day going to be a pile of ash. And the souls within the babies that are killed every day through abortion live forever, as well as the souls of every man. But they neglect that wisdom and choose rather to focus on the temporal. Another fact which Peter noted that the Apostle Paul noted, when he closed out this epistle with these words:

2 Peter 3:15-18 KJV

[15] And account that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; even as our beloved brother Paul also according to the wisdom given unto him hath written unto you; [16] As also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things; in which are some things hard to be understood, which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction. [17] Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness. [18] But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever. Amen.

My instability of mind and failures to remember can be attributed to aging and a failure to take care of myself physically. I’m not unlearned or unstable, I’m unfocused. I do wrestle with ADD. But Peter mentions that there are things that even though it may be hard to understand, we can read and study the word of God to keep ourselves aware of future events through the prophecy of the Bible. Just as God will no doubt remind me to hem Parker’s pants, He reminds me daily of His plans for this world so that I will not be lead astray by the wickedness of this world and the liberal media outlets that fill our heads with their agendas through multiple means. The world loves to fill our minds with liberal garbage of the extreme. They believe that trees matter more than babies. That’s not oversimplification, that’s truth. They believe that puppies and kitties have more rights than children. I love puppies and kitties, I have a house full. But if the cat runs out in the road, and a grand baby runs out in the road, I can tell you which one I’m going to pull to safety first. It’s not the critter. I love them, but they are not as valuable as a child. The same holds true with this world, it’s not as valuable as those who God created to dwell on it and use the earths resources to survive.

This seems like something I shouldn’t think I need to remind us of. But it’s all about worldly perception and perspective.

Perception – the ability to see, hear, or become aware of something through the senses.

Perspective – the true understanding of the relative importance of things;

Both are equally important, becoming aware, and understanding the truth of what we’ve become aware of.

As I start my day today, I pray that I am aware and will have spiritual understanding of what matters most to God in every circumstance. Whether or not Parker’s pants get hemmed is not nearly as important in the scheme of things as whether or not Parker is raised to know Christ.

Posted in Christian Service, Christmas, Eternity, Leadership, Life Inspiration, Uncategorized

The Greatest of All Influencer’s

Written by talk2shari Published December 6, 2021December 6, 2021 Discussion Leave a Comment

Calhoun County Community Center Tree Lighting

If you were anywhere close Calhoun County, West Virginia this week, you witnessed multiple Christmas miracles all because one woman ` had a crazy idea and the passion to deliver. I have lived in Calhoun County since 1970, I’ve seen it politically controlled until it was controlled almost out of existence. Until 2021. When one woman came back to town after a long journey and made sparks fly with her influence.

So that’s what has brought me to this thought this morning, the greatest of all Influencers. Of course I speak of Jesus Christ. But He used commoners like Crystal Laughlin Mersh to impact the world. Not just a community.

Crystal Mersh announcing to ‘ the children the gifts they’re about to receive!

300 Bicycles and Helmets donated by Crystal

The only place the word “influence” is found in scripture is one of my favorite verses. From the book of Job it reads Job 38:[31] Canst thou bind the sweet influences of Pleiades, or loose the bands of Orion?

Pleiades, as I understand it is a constellation of seven stars which which rise in the spring ushering in the pleasantnesses of the season, as the word may be rendered, it cannot be restrained or hindered from taking place in the proper course of the year. It is also said that it may, in a spiritual sense relate to the effects and power of grace, the influences of which are irresistible, and cause a springtime in the souls of men, where it was before winter, a state of darkness, deadness, coldness, hardness, and unfruitfulness, but now the reverse. What an awesome thought!

God has set that influence into action and nothing can prevent it so long as HE intends it to be. I believe He does the same thing with men. As much as Satan would love to destroy the influence of the gospel through the voices of men and women who have been called out to proclaim it. He can’t. Just like the season of spring comes around in God’s timing so does the opportunities for the salvation of men.

Today, “influencer” is a buzz word and a powerful position. If you are dubbed as a social media influencer, suddenly you are of great value to the marketing community. They want you to promote their products because you influence what people think about what they need. To become a spiritual influencer is much the same. People have to want what you have. In the days of the spiritual powers of the apostles, they were great influencers. They had the power to heal, to command evil spirits and demonic forces to come out of people. Old Testament prophets could call fire down from Heaven and on God approved occasions, speak people dead. That’s not a power I should have. Nor likely anyone else. And as a matter of truth, those powers are not present in the church today. Even though there are people who tell you they have those powers. Don’t send them $23.99, it won’t work. But what will work is trusting God for the best in all matters. Even when, from this side of Heaven, it doesn’t look good.

I’ve been watching the Old Calhoun County High School sit dormant and falling apart for years. It made me sad because it was such an awesome old building. But I didn’t have the power, or really the desire to do anything with it. But Crystal did. She began by tearing down parts of the building that couldn’t be restored. Another spiritual lesson for us. There always some things in our lives that God doesn’t want there. It’s like wine bottles mentioned in Luke.

Luke 5:37-38 KJV

[37] And no man putteth new wine into old bottles; else the new wine will burst the bottles, and be spilled, and the bottles shall perish. [38] But new wine must be put into new bottles; and both are preserved.

When God makes a soul brand new, which is what He does when He saves us, it’s always way better than the original. And when people see it, that person becomes an influencer. My buddy and influencer Roger Carter is proof positive. All of the friends he went to high school with back in the 80’s knew Roger as a kid in all kinds of trouble. But when they see him now, his life is brand new. He’s got a whole new outlook on the world, he has what people want. Hope! That’s what it is about Christian people that makes the world take note.

No body was giving the old high school any notice until Chrystal, tore down the bad parts of the building and began to restore the good. When Christ saves a soul. All the heart ache and bad times in a persons life are replaced by a new out look. It’s not that there still isn’t some parts and pieces still in there that can cause pain. But now that person has purpose.

What I learned this weekend is what my purpose is not. It’s not selling crafts. I always do lousy at these shows. It’s promoting and accentuating the positive. That’s what I do best. God created me as a marketer. Not to sell in a market. It goes to show that life isn’t all roses and sunshine. But its a learning and growing experience that each one of us has to go through until God takes us a home. And then when we get there, He will have prepared us for a new career. I fully believe that! And that excites me because I know it will be everything I love to do down here. But the only way to get there is to be His child. To be saved. And the only way to be saved is to accept that Jesus alone is your ticket to Heaven. He died for you on the cross, to the pay the price for your sins and if you believe that, it creates a relationship with Him that is as real a friendship as anything you’ve experienced down here.

I hope and pray you know Him today. And I hope and pray if you don’t you will send me a message and let me tell you how to have that relationship and grow that relationship until you, just like the Old Highschool will be bursting at the seams with new life.

God bless you! And have a great week. Please share this post, and share Jesus with someone today.

Posted in Christian, Church attendance, Leadership, Life Inspiration, Purpose, Word of God

The Truth About Titles

Written by talk2shari Published November 28, 2021March 3, 2022 Discussion Leave a Comment

Perhaps it’s a known fact about me, or perhaps it’s little known, but truth none the less, I like titles. I like being acknowledged as a person of purpose. I’ve always wondered about the difference between purpose and passion. Not of stature, because that to me seems arrogant, but I like the fact that in any given organization I have purpose and evident works with outcomes. It is the fabric of who I am. Who God created me to be. So in the study of Paul’s writings, I found it interesting that Thessalonians is the only one that Paul didn’t acknowledge his title of Apostle, or status as servant or prisoner of Christ. He simply listed his name with the others who were with him as he wrote to the church in Thessalonica.

One hundred years ago or less, I worked for the local newspaper in town, the Calhoun Chronicle. It’s a small weekly paper with a circulation of less than 3,000 where I was Advertising Manager. It was my first ever job with an official title and it was one of my fav’s! It was there that I found a passion for publicity that would serve me well throughout the years. The Editor at the time was Merrill Pollack. A retired editor for the New York Times, and to say he was quite the character wouldn’t do him justice! He was also the first boss who treated me as an equal and brought joy into our lives every day with his story telling ability and his vast experience in the media.

Depending upon the tasks of the day, Merrill would retitle us accordingly. If we were going shopping, we were fashion editors, if we were going out to lunch we were food editors, he was so much fun to work with. He shared his vast amount of knowledge with us without any sense of arrogance, but rather exuberance in handing it down to the next generation.

While I’m not sure Paul would have been as crazy as Merrill, I imagine him to have been a zealot and more to share his vast amount of knowledge with others. As Saul he had allowed religious authority to consume him; but as Paul he was just as humbled as he was proud in his previous position. But never lacking confidence! Would to God I was such a one. I lack confidence every day, which may be why titles are important. I guess I’m self diagnosing my psyche.

The first chapter of 1 Thessalonians is packed so full! The Bible never ceases to amaze me how God can use just a few words to express so many important truths.

1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 KJV

[1] Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. [2] We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; [3] Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; [4] Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.

The lack of a title came with a few concepts from the commentary’s but no real explanation. Just something to take note of. Perhaps it was a either because he was well known by this church, having been lately with them; or lest these young converts should be offended and stumble at any pompous title, which they might imagine carried an appearance of arrogance and pride; or because there were as yet no false apostles among them, who had insinuated anything to the disadvantage of Paul, as in other places, which obliged him to assert his character and magnify his office. We won’t know until we get to Heaven and ask him ourselves, if it ever comes up.

Paul then moves on to the matter at hand that was all important to him, the Lord Jesus Christ. That is his purpose and he gives great thanks that it is their purpose as well. They are laboring in love, and patience of hope in the eyes of God, showing evidence of God’s purpose for having made them of the elect. That too is my focus this morning as I prepare my heart for church.

I have carried the title “Sunday School Teacher,” proudly for 20 years. But over the past few weeks I stepped out of that position and back into the position of student of the word in the adult class. I really, really struggled with that decision. Until yesterday when I realized the great level of peace I had and excitement for being in a class of my own. There is a time to teach, and a time to listen, and this is my time. I pray that you have that place of learning. It’s important in these troubled times to have a good understanding of the word and what’s going on around us. How does it effect us, and some things that shouldn’t effect us.

I pray today finds you in the Lord’s house, hearing His word and having it stir your soul. Grace and peace to you… from the Lord and Shari, His servant. A title I carry proudly.

Posted in Christian Service, Eternity, Faith, Life Inspiration, Praise

Tough Times Don’t Take a Holiday

Written by talk2shari Published November 25, 2021November 25, 2021 Discussion Leave a Comment

At three a.m. this morning I heard the tones drop for an ambulance at the home of a friend. My heart sunk, I prayed for him and his sweet wife and then as my mind has a tendency to do, it jumped from thought to thought, heartache to heartache, trouble to trouble, struggle to struggle. Tough times don’t take a Holiday.

There’s a song in my head that’s on repeat called “Power in Prayer” by 11th hour. It’s a good one to be stuck! It’s a soulful song saying, “It’s a di-rect line to the throne room, where you can find someone who cares. And if you need some proof I can tell you, there is power, power in prayer!” Glory! I just took a little break to listen to it. It causes my heart to be grateful that I serve such an amazing God.

Psalm 100 says

[1] Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands. [2] Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing. [3] Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture. [4] Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. [5] For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

Make a Noise

Making a joyful noise takes an effort on our part, does it not? I’ve never had any issue making a noise. I was born with that ability in abundant supply. I spoke with a friend this week about the gift that God gave me of music and my fear that I wouldn’t have the strength to sing after heart surgery. But nine days after that surgery I stood with the choir at Victory Baptist Church and belted a song out as if nothing was interfering with my health. That my friend is the power of prayer and the power of Almighty God who sits high and looks low. He looks at a land that He created with such detail and splendor, and turned it over to an ungrateful people. Ingratitude is disease rooted in pride. Pride that we deserve this great land we live in. That we deserve the wonderful people and things in our life. But a three a.m. phone call can change your perspective of life rather quickly. We need to make noise while we have opportunity.

Serve with Gladness

It’s unfortunate that there is probably more sour than sweet saints serving in the sanctuary. If they’re even serving, Many are just sitting. And I’ll not be ungrateful and say I don’t appreciate their presence, because I do! But just for a second, imagine that we are Old Testament saints and not under the grace of God.

Deuteronomy 28:47-48 KJV

[47] Because thou servedst not the Lord thy God with joyfulness, and with gladness of heart, for the abundance of all things ; [48] Therefore shalt thou serve thine enemies which the Lord shall send against thee, in hunger, and in thirst, and in nakedness, and in want of all things : and he shall put a yoke of iron upon thy neck, until he have destroyed thee.

I’d venture a guess those who God spoke to would have much preferred serving with a smile than what they got. But it was too little too late. God had had enough. Praise Him for His grace and mercy! Part of our service is simply to lift up our voices in songs of praise. Is that really too much too ask? Another 3 a.m. though that ran through my mind was “uh-oh, I’m on the music schedule this week!” It was a sting in my soul that I haven’t practiced anything yet. I should be preparing to sing a sermonic solo that will encourage God’s people and prepare their hearts for the Pastor’s message. But as always, it’s been down on my list of priority since the last time I sang. I forget what a privilege it is to serve the Lord in such a way.

Get with the Program

He reminds us in verse 3, “Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.” Have we forgotten our role in this world is to glorify and to serve the Creator? I always find it humorous that God refers to us as sheep and we prefer to associate ourselves with foxes, or horses or other more graceful creations, but God says, nope… you’re just dumb sheep. And as always, He’s not wrong. And even though He knows who we are, He loves us and has purpose for us, and that purpose is going to be expanded into the Kingdom depending upon how we serve Him here.

That thought makes me so much more excited about Heaven. I’m all about having something to do, and to imagine that being something that will allow me to serve God eternally and love every second of it, I’m in like Flynn! How can Christians be sad sack saints? Why can they not see what they’re missing. I pray they discover Who they are in Christ. It’s amazing!

Be Thankful

Thanksgiving shouldn’t just be a day on the calendar. God children need to learn to be more thankful. Society may have huge issues with many things, but there’s no shortage of issues within the Christian family either. There is a failure to understand what we read, comprehend it and then live it.

The cross isn’t just a piece of jewelry to wear as a symbol of faith. It’s an actual wooden instrument of death that our Lord was crucified on and treated despicably, taking every sin of ours upon Him and yet we wear it as our trophy. I say that with guilt in my own soul because I take too lightly what He did for me.

That is why when I read this Psalm, knowing what David did not when He wrote it, should give me greater desire to show my gratitude to the Lord Jesus.

[4] Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name. [5] For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

The Lord is so good. And I am in need of His mercy every day and everlasting, and I praise Him that it extends not only to me, but to the generations before and after, that when eternity comes, there won’t be separation and family tables won’t have empty seats. Glory to God! And may you have the happiest of Thanksgivings! ~ Shari, The Jesus Chick

Posted in Christian, Evangelism, Faith, Uncategorized, Word of God

What makes me want to Walk

Written by talk2shari Published November 18, 2021November 18, 2021 Discussion Leave a Comment