Tag: salvation

Posted in Evangelism, Faith, Life Inspiration, salvation, Uncategorized

Our Defining Moment

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A salvation experience is different for everyone, and yet the same. For me it was a struggle getting past “religion.” On February 18th, 1996, a date I have etched in my mind, not only because it’s my Mother’s Birthday, but because that was my first service at Victory Baptist Church and my first time of feeling the conviction of the Holy Spirit in a life altering way. But for the months to follow I sat in my seat, weeping, burdened and alone in my thoughts because I couldn’t tell the world what I knew. I was lost. I would often go to the altar, where I left my tears, but picked back up the burden. I was a church girl, (at another church), I had been a Sunday School Teacher, I had served in their Church youth ministries, but I was a faux believer. A faker. I knew the man Jesus, but not the Christ, the Son of the Living God.

The Defining Moment

Mark 8:27-38 KJV

[27] And Jesus went out, and his disciples, into the towns of Caesarea Philippi: and by the way he asked his disciples, saying unto them, Whom do men say that I am? [28] And they answered, John the Baptist: but some say, Elias; and others, One of the prophets. [29] And he saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Peter answereth and saith unto him, Thou art the Christ. [30] And he charged them that they should tell no man of him.

Christ asked the disciples two questions: “Who do men say I am, and who do you say I am?” He asks us the same question. Because there comes a time when we each have to answer that question for ourselves. There’s more to Christ than just knowing His name. There’s a defining moment when you realize that He truly is the Son of God, and the breath in your body. He is the reason behind the purpose for your life. For me it came the summer of 1996. I don’t know the specific day, I just knew I once was lost, but now I’m found, and I was changed from head to toe. Every fiber in my body was created anew. My voice, my talents, my heart, my hands, and my feet. I had purpose that must be used for Him.  There was a defining moment.

The Defining Years

Jesus had only a few years with the disciples. But my, my, my… what an impact He made. It took a few years for me as well before I felt the calling in my life. Bible study, Discipling and then Bible College and I knew, though I didn’t always feel confident, I felt compelled to share the gospel. 

 [31] And he began to teach them, that the Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders, and of the chief priests, and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. [32] And he spake that saying openly. 

What a strange thing to hear from the mouth of the Man who had become your friend and your hope. They had seen the miracles, they’d witnessed His power, but now He’s telling them He’s going to be killed?  That no doubt made no sense. I’m sure that’s not good English, but it’s good reasoning. Because it didn’t make any sense to me either when I discovered the sweet Spirit of the Lord. Why on earth would anyone want to kill someone so marvelous? Every time I would hear or read of His crucifixion, my heart would break again. As a new convert I had much to learn about Jesus, and much to learn about mankind, who wasn’t so kind after all. Those defining years were filled with mentors.

The Definition of Denial

And Peter took him, and began to rebuke him. [33] But when he had turned about and looked on his disciples, he rebuked Peter, saying, Get thee behind me, Satan: for thou savourest not the things that be of God, but the things that be of men. [34] And when he had called the people unto him with his disciples also, he said unto them, Whosoever will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me. [35] For whosoever will save his life shall lose it; but whosoever shall lose his life for my sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it. [36] For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? 

Peter didn’t understand. But Satan most assuredly did. And so he put the thought into Peter’s mind to question the Lord. Sound familiar? Have you ever questioned God on Who He is, and Why He does what He does, or allows what he allows? Just this week I did when a young child grew very ill very quickly and his parents are now in the process of telling him goodbye on this side, but Christ will welcome him on the other. But why Lord, Why does that have to be? And then I thought of the condition of this world, and all that child would be spared. And while I was sad for his parents and grandparents, I found peace in knowing that God was taking him away from the wickedness down here. When Christ told His ministry team to “deny” themselves and take up their own cross, it was a message for us as well, saying put yourself, and your desires aside. That’s tough. But its a necessity to get through the rough times down here. And it’s why our conversion doesn’t quit at the altar. While you are saved completely and immediately, your life is an ever learning journey through the Spirit of God. 

The Day of Discovery

[37] Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? [38] Whosoever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he cometh in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.

I’ve made many, many, many trips back to the altar. It’s my place of solace in this troubled world, but it’s also my place of renewal and guidance. Too many altars are empty. Too many Christians stopped their visits to the altar at the time of their salvation and the price we’re paying in America is the result. But there will be a day of discovery on Who Christ is. And for many it will be too late. And for some it will be too little when they stand before God and He asks “What did you do for me?” 

I guess I’m somewhere in the middle. I don’t ever feel like I’ve done enough, but I’m trying to discover what God wants me to do each day. If you’ve read my blog much, the story of my salvation is an old one. But for me it’s as good today as it was when I experienced it. I hope you find that in yours. The reason I shared it today was as a reminder of where I came from, and to remind me that there are expectations upon me from the Lord. Not for salvation, that was paid on the cross. But when God saved me, He didn’t pay that price for me to sit down and wait for the train to Heaven. Yes, this train is bound for glory! But I want to load my car with some friends along the way. 

What’s your salvation story? Share it with me, share it with anyone. But that testimony is a part of your purpose.

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

The World Needs a Hero

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So yesterday I shared a post on Facebook from Dennis Prager, the  founder of Prager University, an online source for information “to promote what is true, what is excellent, and what is noble through digital media, we make exceptional video content that advances Judeo-Christian values. By reaching millions of people every day, they educate, influence and changes minds.” Or so their website says.  His “Fireside” chat about neither blood nor race mattering in the scope of love was great. And while I agree, and even responded about how much my friend Gloria, a non blood relative meant to me, I couldn’t get the thought out of my mind…

“Blood does matter.”

As I went to sleep last night, that thought was there. As I awoke this morning, that thought was there. Obviously the Lord wanted me to address it. 

I married David Johnson, August 16th, 1980. My first and only love. We will celebrate our 40th year of marriage this year. Unbelievable! As they say, it’s not a record, but it’s not the norm anymore. To look back and see how we survived each other is only by the grace of Almighty God. David is not my blood relative. (No matter what they say about West Virginians.) So when Mr. Prager said as a child he realized that love wasn’t about the blood, he was correct. And while his catchy title in this day of argumentativeness over race was effective on getting my attention, blood does indeed matter in the scope of eternity. Not mine. Nor David’s, but the blood of Jesus matters.

Contemporary churches of today have all but removed the blood from the church. They’ve taken it from hymnals, they no longer preach it, they no longer use it for the premise of salvation for it offends the world. Why is that? Why is blood so important in the matter of families, but offensive in the matter of faith? 

I will confess that the site of blood makes me queasy. I couldn’t watch the movie “The Passion of Christ.” It was far too graphic for me. I am however glad to have seen images from the movie, because it gives me an greater understanding of the price my Lord paid for my freedom and my eternal relationship with Him. Those images are seared into my mind, but I doubt they do the reality justice. Satan wanted to destroy Jesus. And he thought he had as Jesus hung on that cross suffering, as He was removed and placed in a tomb. As they sealed it up… Oh, I’m sure Satan did a little victory dance. But then the tomb was found empty! Woohoo and Glorrraaaayyy! It was a new day in Dodge! But it wasn’t the Calvary that had shown up to rescue the world, it was the same Jesus that hung on the cross as meek as lamb, but returned with the vengeance of a Lion. 

Without the blood of Christ, there would have been no hope of salvation for man. There’s not enough critters in the world to atone for the sins of this fallen society. But the world doesn’t want the blood. Not the blood of animals, not the blood of God. They want Heaven, they want some type of eternal peace, but not the humility of Christ’s sacrifice. If we genuinely see that in the context of the cross, we know, “I can do nothing to repay Christ for His suffering.” His blood mattered.

So how do we explain that to a fallen world who wants nothing to do with the blood or the Savior? How do we explain that it needs to matter to them too?

They must first see the effect of the blood in the lives of the children of God. The evidence of Christ’s love for us was written and testified of throughout the scriptures. The Spirit reveals the truth of it through His word, be it in preaching or reading. Christ set the example of how we are to live and conduct ourselves as children of God, and then closed that chapter with the ultimate sacrifice, that when it was witnessed, His followers were willing to do the same. They had seen the power of the blood. Have we? Has this world?

Some have. Some have witnessed God do miraculous things, I’ve witnessed it. But how quickly those times are forgotten when the world garners our attention with its evil. We forget about the power that is in the blood. The blood that Christ took back to Heaven (Hebrews 9:12)  

Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.

There was no other blood pure enough to enter that holy place, other than the blood of God’s only begotten Son. That blood on that day, took the price and the burden of sins away from all mankind, whether or not they accept it or desire it. And that has to be seen as evidence in the life of a child of God. Even in the face of this adversity we are in, we have got to continue to live in the victory of Jesus, that He will bring us through this crisis. If the world sees Christians falling apart, then they will not see that His blood mattered. 

Satan continues to try to rid the church of the blood, to give a counterfeit version of all that God provides, but He cannot find anything that replaces the blood of Jesus. Which is why it’s so important for him to get it out of the church. And why it’s so important for us to fight for it to stay. 

When you think of the blood of Christ, how does it make you feel? As I thought about it this morning, I imagined me as the child of a the greatest Warrior and Hero of all time. He is ya know? How do you see Your Savior. Is He Your Savior? Have you accepted the price He paid for your peace and freedom on the cross of Calvary. If not, follow this 👉🏼link, or message me, and I’ll tell you how to to have the greatest day of your life!

Posted in Christian Service, Evangelism, failure, Faith, Family

Live it Loud!

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The Spirit got a hold on me in 1996, and my life drastically changed. I don’t know if that adequately describes it, you’d have to ask my family. The same family for which some of them are still not saved. But I guarantee that they know there was a time when I become a new person. And although they still don’t understand it, they know it happened. I guess I’m in good company with that, because the same thing happened to Jesus.

John 7:3-5 KJV

[3] His brethren therefore said unto him, Depart hence, and go into Judaea, that thy disciples also may see the works that thou doest. [4] For there is no man that doeth any thing in secret, and he himself seeketh to be known openly. If thou do these things, shew thyself to the world. [5] For neither did his brethren believe in him.

What happened from the age of 12 to 30 years of age with Jesus isn’t spoken about in scripture. But at the age of 30, after His Baptism by John, things were certainly happening in Jesus’ life that made it clear, He was not the average man. Miracle after miracle was going down and the people were following Him like God groupies. They wanted to see more. It wasn’t about their relationship with Him, it was about the curiosity of what He would do next. Even His family. It’s why, I’m not shocked that as outspoken as I am about Christ, there are many in my family who do not know Him. Why should it come as a surprise, when those who were with Jesus Himself, had the same problem. So what are we to do in order to see our family saved?

Miracles? Nope, not in my wheelhouse. Preach to them or at them? Nope, it will likely drive them further away. Bring attention to our holiness. Nope, that’s a sure fire way to fall on your face. I’m doing the only thing i know to do, and I believe it’s working.

Black and White

I speak not of the color of skin,but rather the color of lies and truth according to the word of God. When it comes to what all is going on in our world right now we have to speak the truth as it is according to the word of God. If God says it’s wrong, it is. If God says it’s right, it is. And there is no middle ground. No shades of gray. Jesus never viewed a man differently because of their race or nationality, nor should we. He didn’t discriminate because of social status, nor allowed the past of a person to ruin their future. A person’s life could change on a dime if they truly came into a relationship with Jesus. That’s what happened to me. 

All my life I had heard of Jesus, but in 1996 I came to know Him and began forming a relationship with Him and it changed the way I talked and walked. And people noticed. I knew from that point forward I could no longer ride the fence about socially acceptable issues that were against the word of God. I had to take a strong stand, do no wavering, and know what I believed and why I believed it. Because people would question who I was. 

I’ve failed many times. But that’s black and white too. I failed. I said I’m sorry to Jesus and I started over…. again…. and again. I’m still not perfect and will not be on this side of Heaven. The last thing the world needs to see is a “Hoooooly” saint of God. They need to see a real saint of God. Accepted and professed flaws and all.

When Red Runs

When I think of the shamed face of a child of God I think of a red cotton towel in a white load of laundry that’s soon to be pink. That’s what happens when a child of God fails, the purest of white is blemished by sin and the blood of Jesus is obvious and needed again and again. And while the pink towel may or may not come white again, the child of God does become as white as the driven snow with a repentant heart. But an action has to be taken. God can’t wash clean what never makes it to the laundry. And when an unsaved person sees that stain in a child of God’s life, they’re not impressed. I guess todays blog is about failure. We all make mistakes and “I’m sorry” or “I should have done or said that” goes a long way to impress those we care about. 

Tie Dyed Testimonies

Whether blood relatives, adopted, or just friends in the faith, family is a blending of multiple colors and flavors. Personalities clash, opinions differ and disagreements are inevitable. But the relationships should not suffer. And won’t if Christ is always in the forefront. 

I have family who does not agree with my conservative viewpoints. I won’t argue it. Because that’s not going to lead them to Christ. As a matter of fact, it will likely drive them further away, because if they connect Christ to my politics, and my politics disagrees with theirs, they may not view Christ as the answer. I have to separate the two, yet always let it be known that my faith is what drives my political view. It’s a fine line to walk. 

It’s much like the tie dyed shirts that I love. I love color!! And I love the blending of color. But there has to be a barrier (like the rubber bands) to prevent to the colors from coming over too far. I can blend a little with a liberal thinker. But there comes a point where I have to take a stand and say, you’re flavor has to stop, I can’t allow it to bleed into mine. That’s where the word of God makes it black and white again. And our need to study and understand scripture is crucial to our testimony to friends and family who are walking another path. We need to be able to explain why we tie our selves to conservative thinking. 

Liberal thinkers allow for freedoms that God does not allow. God says in Isaiah 55:8-11 KJV

[8] For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. [9] For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. [10] For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: [11] So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

The Word of God will accomplish His will, but we have to read it and know it in order to sow those seeds with our family and friends. His ways are higher, higher than mine too, not just the liberal thinkers ways. I don’t profess to know what God’s plan is for this earth. But I know I’m a part of His plan and I need to do more to make a difference in my family.  

I need to Live it, and live it loud!

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

The Haters and the Doubters

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It as been decades since I came to the knowledge of Jesus Christ; only two, but none the less decades. As a child, a decade seemed like an eternity, now a decade seems like a month. Time passes ever so quickly by, but one thing never changes. Haters and doubters. They were in Jesus’ day, and before that. They are in our day, and now they are louder than they were then. Their voices can be heard through multiple medias. There are agnostics, atheists, idol worshipers and worshipers of other gods. They’re bold and brazen and often heartless. They love throwing stones. Just like the haters and doubters of Jesus’ day, only they proclaimed to be serving the God of Abraham. The same that Jesus spoke of. But the difference was, Jesus knew Abraham; He’d actually met him. Although to the crowd for which He spoke, they knew Jesus was physically too young for that. And so what they didn’t understand, they doubted and hated. Hated to the point that they would have picked up a stone and done bodily harm to God Himself. But Jesus pulled a disappearing act and walked out right in front of them and they missed His grand exit. 

If you don’t know Jesus… don’t wait for the exit. 

John 8:52-59 KJVS

[52] Then said the Jews unto him, Now we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and thou sayest, If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death.[53] Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself? [54] Jesus answered, If I honour myself, my honour is nothing: it is my Father that honoureth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God: [55] Yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying. [56] Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad. [57] Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? [58] Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. [59] Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.

Going right through the middle of them! I at first thought that He disappeared and was elsewhere. But no. He was still there, He was just in some way or another invisible! Just as He is today. And yet He is here, right in our midst, and the haters and the doubters are still looking for someone to cast stones at. They can no more hit Him now, than they could then. So often times the target becomes the only one they can lash out at and that is us, the believers. 

So what do we do with the doubters and the haters. 

Have First Hand Knowledge

Jesus had first hand knowledge of Abraham and Abraham first hand knowledge of Him.

Genesis 18:2 KJV

[2] And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground, [3] And said, My Lord, if now I have found favour in thy sight, pass not away, I pray thee, from thy servant:

Two were angels, but Abraham addressed One as Lord.  Abraham didn’t want Him to pass by. He wanted Him to stay. A lesson even Christians can learn. Don’t rush out of the Lord’s presence, or rush Him out of yours. What an honor to find the favor of God to the point where He chooses to be in your presence. 

That’s kind of how I feel this morning as I write these words, Jesus passed by and sat a while with me in my little junked up office. He didn’t mind that it wasn’t a church, or a mansion. He just wanted time with me. And together He and I conversed and this is the product of that. This message. A message that I needed, and I’m pretty sure you do to.

Until the end of time there will be haters and doubters. Pray for them. But don’t let them distract you from God Himself. He’s still teaching us through the Holy Spirit, stay in His word! He’s still walking around unseen in the midst of those who do not know Him. It’s up to us to allow them to see Christ. It’s up to Him to help them feel His presence. Let them throw their spiritual stones of words; if they throw real stones, Move! But when it comes to the words of doubters and haters they have no power over the word of God. Their words will be forgotten tomorrow. His words have lasted how long? 

If you’re reading this and you don’t know Christ as your Savior. Don’t let Him disappear in your midst. You’ve no doubt felt His Spirit moving in your presence, ask Him to reveal Himself to You, I believe He will. If you have questions, I’d love to answer them. If you stand in need of prayer, I’d be honored to do that too. 

Have a Blessed day! As I write this it’s Wednesday. I hope you have a place to attend Bible Study tonight! Blessings ~ Shari

Posted in Bible Journaling, Christian Service, Eternity, Evangelism, failure, Forgiveness, Life Inspiration, Uncategorized

The Door’s Still Open

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Another church, another thought, as I continue through Revelation. I have to go back and post about two previous churches because those posts got tangled up in web design and technical difficulties. But today I’m doing my best to stay on track like the church of Philadelphia. A faithful lot, without rebuke. I’m sure that it wasn’t that they were perfect, they were faithful. There is a vast difference. 

People outside the church look at children of God and expect us to be unscathed in this sinful world. It’s not going to happen. We mess up, we fall down and we get dirty with sin just like the rest of the world; the difference is, I have a spiritual wash cloth that cleans me up. Glory! 

I was rebuked by my husband last night in a “joking” manner when I said I didn’t want to answer a message that I’d been sent. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to fix the person’s problems. It was the fact that I couldn’t. It’s a spiritual issue not a physical one. The spirit realm is this abyss of Satan and his minions that continually strive to create confusion, strife and opportunities to sin. And Christians willingly walk into it even knowing that it can destroy. And on the outside of Christianity is the unsaved only seeing the physical realm not the spiritual. And a testimony is destroyed. The unsaved seldom see the acts of repentance and restoration of the child of God. 

Life is about doors. Doors that open and doors that close on opportunity. 

A person who has accepted the saving grace of Jesus Christ, and His finished work on the cross has walked through a door that will never close. And that is the one to eternal  life. But the unsaved who has yet to make that decision is now running the risk of having that door shut for all eternity on the wrong side.

That literally makes my stomach turn.

It’s why I can’t fix the spiritual issues of another. I’m not holding the key 🔑 .

The church of Philadelphia was a loving, faithful church that used their spiritual gifts for the Kingdom of God. They just kept going in the face of what ever came their way, bad or good. And that’s all any of us can do. 

It is my prayer that you know which side of the door you’re on when eternity calls. 

If not, follow the link to the plan of salvation. Please don’t wait.

The Road to Salvation
Posted in Christian Service, Evangelism, Uncategorized

Three Misunderstood Christian Question/Quotes

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I’ve been on foreign mission fields, and I’ve been on American mission fields, and the only difference is the cultures of the people. And that is not only a foreign country issue, but a state to state issue.

I realized that when I tried to explain to a hunter in New Mexico that I was in his state singin’ and speakin’. To which he replied, “What?”

And then I realized that my redneck dialect had gotten me in trouble again and I had to slow down and annunciate my words. So I replied in kind to his question. “Singing and Speaking.” And that he understood.

Sometimes I think we forget when we talk Jesus that that too is another language all together. I realized this when I spoke to a woman in New Mexico who said to me, “I had to call a friend the other day and ask her what sin was. I really didn’t know.

That shocked me. Because sin is, well, sin. But to the lost who are totally unchurched, it’s another one of those Christian words that goes unexplained and assumed that the world understands.

I understood when I had to explain words like that in a foreign land. They didn’t understand my language, but in America. Seriously? A word as simple as sin. It was as crazy to me as the hunter, (who technically should have spoke redneck) but didn’t understand the word “speakin.” It caused me to wonder this morning how many times not only my redneck dialect gets me into trouble, but my Christian dialect.

Churchy words.

Three phrases I throw around too easily without explanation.

  1. Are you saved?

Saved from what? Am I in danger?

Well, as a matter of fact you are. But the unsaved truly doesn’t what there is to be afraid of. We speak of things in the spiritual realm they speak of things in the physical realm.  And to talk about the spiritual realm is like speaking to them of Ghost Busters, Green monsters and perhaps a small concept of Angels.

I’m not so sure that many Christians understand the spiritual realm and what goes on there.

1 Corinthians 2:14

But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

So, it’s clearly saying that the unsaved cannot understand spiritual things because they’ve yet to receive the Holy Spirit. And many saved people cannot explain the Holy Spirit because they’re not in touch with Him themselves. We have Christians who don’t find in necessary to go to church on Sunday morning, read their bible, or witness to the lost. Those are three non-negotiable expectations of God.

The best way to explain the word Salvation is almost always through your testimony. And usually any other spiritual question. Because it makes it personal.

I knew what I was saved from the second I got saved. Fear.

My entire life, from the time I was old enough to be lost, I had a fear of Hell. It was placed inside of me by God and I fully believe that everyone of us from a child know that there is a God. Because the Bible says that in Romans 1:20

For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:.

Romans 8:16 

The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:

It’s why it’s important to pray before we speak to the lost. The Spirit has been dealing with them, but we just need to pray so that we too are in tune with what the Spirit would have us say. So to answer them Saved from what is an easy answer for me if I just rely on what God instilled in me as a child. And what I came to know when I did get saved is the truth about Hell. It is a total darkness, fire and separation from everyone and everything. Especially the Creator. And though they do not know Him, they will when they hit Hell and they’ll understand too little too late how wonderful He is.

Another question that we take under assumption is:

  • Do you know Jesus?

I give it very little thought. I assume everyone has at least heard the name. But yesterday a friend of mine blew that theory out of the water when he said he ask a person in the prison that he ministers in and their response was “Who?”

They’d not heard the name. That’s unbelievable in our day and age. But yet it happens. And although most people have at least heard the Name, they still do not understand the concept of Who He is. And if you’re ask that question, how do you answer?

He is God. God in the flesh who wanted to experience life as we did, so He came to earth as a man and walked in the body of a man so that He could understand what it felt like to be a man.

He understood temptation, fear, pain, heartache, betrayal and every other aspect of humanity and yet stayed perfect and Holy. We cannot. I can’t stay perfect 10 minutes. The fact that God understands that connects us to Him in a greater way. A way that the lost wants someone to understand.

It’s why when a Christian stands in judgment of the lost, the lost cannot experience Christ. Because Christ forgave and understood the sin of man, His judgement comes in eternity.

If we can help the lost to understand that first, we’ll be ready to explain Jesus! The lost have to experience Him through us. And we’re going to answer for how and whether or not they have.

Final Quote

  • Christ Died for You.

What? Why would He do that and why did He think it was necessary.

It’s a notion that I have a hard time comprehending myself on a regular basis and I know it’s truth. Why would He do that? And if it’s hard for me to comprehend. Imagine what goes through the mind of a person who’s lost and how do we explain the justification of Old Testament rituals to them, especially in this critter loving world?

For me the only way that I can explain that is through the eyes of a parent – child relationship. One that most everyone understands, even if sometimes it’s from a warped perspective.

I think about Adam’s love of creation. Imagine the time he spent with all of the critters as he named them and loved on them. Imagine the horror of having to kill the first lamb when God had them clothe themselves after the fall in the garden.

I believe God wanted them to understand the separation of death in the same way He experiences it with a child who never accepted His sacrifice. It’s a pain beyond description.

If we can understand that, and the fact that He went from the sacrifice of animals to the experiencing the sacrifice of His Son and watching Him suffer as no animal ever did, then we’ll have a better grasp of why He died for us.

It’s not uncommon for my redneck dialect to get me into trouble. But what I don’t want is for my witnessing to get me into trouble. I want to know that when I tell people about my life changing relationship with Jesus Christ, it’s apparent through my life and my words and it’s done in a way that makes them want what I have.

Who wants what a cranky, judgmental, poor example of Christ has? No one.

But if we can not only show them the love of God, but the explain that love of God, we’ll be on the road to sharing in the salvation of Jesus Christ with them.

My next blog is going to be about my New Mexico experience. I wanted to wrap my mind around it myself before I tried to explain it to everyone. I’ll share some of the amazing things that God did and allow you to come along on the journey, especially those who prayed for this trip.

You’re going to love what you were a part of!

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

🦆An Ugly Duckling Story🦢

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GRAFTED AND GRATEFUL

From a child I’ve felt like an odd duck. I always had hopes that I would be the ugly duckling that grew into the beautiful swan, but never felt that I met that accomplishment either. Not asking for pity, just sharing my heart. Believe me when I tell you, I’ve came to terms… well kind of… with the fact that I’m peculiar.

It is my life verse you know… But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light; ~ 1 Peter 2:9

But peculiarity won’t be a part of Heaven. Have you ever thought of that? That in that place, we will never again feel inferior. That alone should make you shout! But here I feel inferior because I know the inward Shari that the outward world does not. When they look upon me with a judging eye, it’s generally their critique of my abilities or looks. But I not only have that to contend with in this world of glitz and glam that attracts my eye, but I have the failures of the flesh as well. Oh glory… I needed a dose of Jesus this morning to remind that even though I am peculiar here, I am a part of the family of God.

Romans 11:17-18 ~ And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert grafted in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree; Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee.

While Israel awaits their coming Messiah, having missed His first appearance, we partake of the root and the fatness of the olive tree.

That thought brought such joy to my soul and tears to my eyes, to think that their rejection and God’s infinite mercy allowed me to be grafted into their family as the wild olive tree would be grafted to the Original. How can I boast about the fact that I am a child of God, and forget that for now Israel is astray?

How can I not be burdened for God’s heart as I would if my own children were astray from me?

My daughters are both loving young women. Both married. And I have accepted their spouses as my sons as well. It’s an easy fit for me, because God’s acceptance into His family was the ultimate example.

When this world tells me “I don’t fit.” I can honestly say “You’re right. I’m sorry I tried to!”

Because I do. I love worldly things. There. I said it. I love make-up and shoes and clothes and God has gifted me with such. But none of those things ever seem to heal the ugly duckling syndrome. I always feel less.

Nothing brings it on more than the blessing of a singing and speaking opportunity. I begin to tear myself down.

But this morning I was reminded that my ministry came with a high price. The life of Jesus Christ. And because of Him, and His willing sacrifice, I’m apart of the family of God and privileged to serve.

Every word of the Bible is a worthy read, but the Chapter 11 of Romans is a good read for the day if you need reminded of what a high price was paid for your soul.

I feel a little prettier today because I am one of the “All” God will conclude my blog today with Romans 11:22-26

6gtFor God hath concluded them all in unbelief, that he might have mercy upon all. O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! For who hath known the mind of the Lord? or who hath been his counsellor? Or who hath first given to him, and it shall be recompensed unto him again? For of him, and through him, and to him, are all things: to whom be glory for ever. Amen.

Posted in Bible Journaling, Eternity, Evangelism, Heaven, salvation, Uncategorized

My Hearts Desire

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Romans 10:1

Brethren, my hearts desire is that Israel might be saved.

Continuing on in my journaling of Romans, I made it no further than the 1st verse of Romans 10 today. My heart broke for the Lord. It broke for Him, not because of Israel’s rejection of the Messiah, although that was certainly a part of it; but it broke for my own failures as His child that He so willingly included into His family. Shari Johnson, gentile, who He willingly allowed the crucifixion of His Son, Jesus Christ for. So that I could be a part of His amazing family. And what a privilege!

And so now I turn back to Paul’s burden, that is my burden too, that Israel might be saved.

Dying and end times can be scary . The world would love it if we’d just ignore it. It’s way easier than facing the reality that eternity will come to all. The world would have you believe that you should never ever read the book of Revelation! It’s far too confusing. That’s a lie. It’s not confusing if you’re in a good bible believing preaching church that teaches the Bible from Genesis to Revelation. Will you understand every jot and tittle? If you do, you’re a better bible scholar than I am. But you’ll understand what the Lord needs you to understand. And while it won’t take all the uncertainty of our end days away, it will give you peace. And help you to understand that God has a plan.

It’s a plan that will restore his precious Israel back to a right relationship with God. God’s desire. It will happen the same way it happens to a Gentile. Through belief on Jesus Christ. It will not however come as easy for those who believe after the church has been raptured (caught up) to be with Jesus. Which could be any day now. There’s going to be a terrible time of tribulation. Seven years, that those who believe on Jesus Christ now will be privileged not to have to go through. Something else I’m grateful and humbled for.

When those who have not read scripture, or been in church, hear this teaching it sounds insane. That’s what Satan want them to believe. But get in the book and read the prophecies of the Word of God and understand what has come to pass already, that was predicted thousands of years ago and suddenly it doesn’t sound so insane, but rather reality sits in, that there is a God. And He has a plan, and it’s playing out just like He said it would.

The end times will play out like no Hollywood production ever could. There will be a Hero that swoops in from the sky and saves Israel. There will be heroes on earth that will take a part of the Master’s plan and set things into motion that eventually put the Devil into the pits of Hell where he’ll stay. But not until he does some serious damage on earth by deception (which he already has). And during that time there will be trials and tribulations that have people crying for the rocks to fall on them.

Revelation 6:16

And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb:

But it’s not something that anyone has to fear who knows Christ Jesus as Savior. Jew or Gentile. It’s why I want and desire, as does the Lord, for Israel to accept what Jesus did for us on the cross.

Have you accepted that? Do you know where you’d be if God decided today to call His church home? Would you be with Him and your saved family? Or would you be left here to face those 7 years of tribulation. That you likely will not survive. That’s not said to cast fear. That’s said to help you understand it’s not a fairy tale. It’s real.

Want to know for sure? Follow this link.

The Road to Salvation

If you did, please, please, please let me know!

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

Rewired for Christ

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Romans 6:18-23

If you had to describe your state of mind, pre-salvation what one word would you use?

I would use the word “tumultuous.” Meaning unbridled and unrestrained. I wasn’t connected to anything solid and so I was flailing around like a windsock going what ever direction the wind blew me in. I didn’t have direction and things good or bad seemed to jolt me into a new direction without any thought to where I was going.

So think about your world pre-salvation for just a second. What did it look like?

Coming to the knowledge of who we are in Christ is a game changer for the child of God who happens to be in a place where they can grow in grace and under discipleship and solid doctrine. But prior to that life seems to be …

Short Circuited

At birth we have a disconnect from the Creator. The reason I could be jolted in any direction was because my wires were not connected.  

I thought the definition of “short circuit” was fitting for a person of a lost nature:

[in a device, an electrical circuit of lower resistance than that of a normal circuit, typically resulting from the unintended contact of components and consequent accidental diversion of the current.]

It was never God’s intention for mankind to have contact with the low side of life.  And once we were, we were diverted from God’s control. We were severely disconnected. We fell short… as in “for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” – Romans 3:23

What happens if you grab ahold of a short circuited wire? Nothing good, right? We’re shocked. That too is a reaction to sin. As a child we know when we’ve done wrong. We generally feel bad about the transgression, even thought we seldom confess. The more we do it, is like getting shocked by low does of electricity. We get used to it. Maybe our nerves get seared and no longer feel the guilt that we once did for committing sin. So in order to get a jolt that makes a difference, usually something drastic has to take place.

What took place in Paul’s life that made such a drastic difference?

Acts 9:3-9

 And as he journeyed, he came near Damascus: and suddenly there shined round about him a light from heaven:  And he fell to the earth, and heard a voice saying unto him, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?  And he said, Who art thou, Lord? And the Lord said, I am Jesus whom thou persecutest: it is hard for thee to kick against the pricks.  And he trembling and astonished said, Lord, what wilt thou have me to do? And the Lord said unto him, Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told thee what thou must do.  And the men which journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice, but seeing no man. And Saul arose from the earth; and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man: but they led him by the hand, and brought him into Damascus. And he was three days without sight, and neither did eat nor drink.

I love reading the story of Saul becoming Paul. That’s what happens when we reconnect with God. We become an entirely new person!

Romans 6:19

 I speak after the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh: for as ye have yielded your members servants to uncleanness and to iniquity unto iniquity; even so now yield your members servants to righteousness unto holiness.

Apostle Paul is helping the Romans to understand that he understands. He totally gets where they came from. Prior to salvation they were following their sinful fleshly ways, but now, there should be something new that they have a connection to – righteousness. They should be drawn to it.

John 12:32 says “And, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.”

Praise God for that drawing.

A great illustration of drawing electricity is the power between water and static electricity.

It’s in a like manner that we are drawn to Christ. The Water of life! But also prior to salvation, you were not only short circuited there was a

Circuit Breaker

20 For when ye were the servants of sin, ye were free from righteousness.

The sin that was in our lives is what kept us from coming to Christ. We felt the draw, but there was a break in the connection. Sometimes ever after the jolt of reality that we’re lost, it’s years and years before people come to Christ.

Why do you think that is?

There are probably as many excuses as there are stars in the sky, but the truth of the matter is rebellion. It’s the same reason that Satan and the angels fell. Everybody wants to be in charge. The ol’ “You are not the boss of me attitude.”

It’s a funny comment when a parent says “I brought you into this world and I can take you out.” But that’s illegal. Else it might happen more often. But with God it’s very much the truth! He kicked Satan and his crew out of Heaven, and He will now allow those who have rejected His authority to be in Heaven.

Praise God for

Conductors!

Romans 6:21-22

What fruit had ye then in those things whereof ye are now ashamed? for the end of those things is death. But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.

Conductors conduct electrical current very easily because of their free electrons. Insulators oppose electrical current and make poor conductors. Common conductors and insulators:

What would be a conductor of the Christian faith?

Pastors, teachers, social media posts, evangelists, ministers of the gospel, songs…

So many! You and I, if we’re doing what we should are conductors of the power of God. People see it in our lives, we touch people with our actions and words, just like the wires that carry electricity. We too can jolt people into the reality that they need Christ. They may break the circuit by rejecting it, but they can’t stop us from sharing it. Because we are

Hardwired

Romans 6:23

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Our decision to accept what Christ did on the cross creates within us a hardwire to the Lord. We can’t disconnect from it.

Verses of reminder:

John 10:27-29 – My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand.

John 6:37 – All that the Father giveth me shall come to me; and him that cometh to me I will in no wise cast out.

John 10:28 – And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any [man] pluck them out of my hand.

John 5:24 – Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.

John 3:16 – For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Romans 11:29 – For the gifts and calling of God [are] without repentance.

Jude 1:24 – Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present [you] faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,

1 John 5:13 – These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God.

2 Corinthians 1:22 – Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts.

Romans 8:38-39 – For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Ephesians 2:8 – For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: [it is] the gift of God:

Philippians 1:6 – Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform [it] until the day of Jesus Christ:

It’s important for us to remind ourselves that God is in charge of the connection. Not us. We might walk away from God, but He will never walk away from us.

He will continue to call His children home when they stray. Because that’s how He loves us.

Posted in Bible Journaling, Eternity, Evangelism, salvation

Excuseless

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Even creation awaits it’s turn for redemption. Can you imagine that day?! I think about it a lot. The more and more wicked this world gets, the more I think about it. Perhaps you do too, or perhaps you’ve not given it any thought at all. You may not even know the truth about creation through the Word of God. But regardless we are all excuseless when it comes to the Creator.

Genesis 3:17

And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life;

Revelation 22:3

And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:

Between Genesis 3 and Revelation 22 is a whole lot of history. A whole lot of sin and praise God! a whole lot of grace for those of us who know Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. But one thing there is not, is an excuse.

Romans 1:20

For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

This morning as I sit in my little office at the back side of my house, I hear the rain pouring down outside. It’s replenishing the ground, filling the rivers and doing what nature does. Taking care of us. It’s also making my White Silky chickens, tan, but that’s a part of nature too, even if I don’t like it.

I’m not a big fan of Hell either. Neither is God. It was never His design for us. And yet there it is, looming at the end of a life who denies the Lord Jesus Christ.

Redemption. Just like the end of time when the curse will be lifted from off this earth, so will it be lifted from the souls of men when we spend eternity, forever and ever in a curse free, perfect place with the Lord Jesus. We can do that because He redeemed us by His blood sacrifice on the cross. He died for you, and for me and for all others and that is why we are excuseless.

Think about it…

If you gave your child, that you love more than life, for the redemption of a nation, would you be willing to accept anyone who wouldn’t confess what your child did?

I didn’t think so.

Yet, the world expects the Lord to. Even though He gave us not only His Son, but all of Creation that testifies of the Creator. It’s all written in His book, even science can’t deny it. But men can.

We can deny it because unlike creation we’ve been given free will. God wants those who want to be apart of His family. It’s that simple. Why would you invite someone into your home who didn’t want to be there?

I’m extending an invitation to all who read my blog, to join me in Heaven when it’s our turn. You have received your invitation. If you don’t come, you’re excuseless.

I’d like to say you’ll be missed. But truthfully, I don’t think so; because there’s no sadness in Heaven. But there will be a great sadness, pain and separation in Hell.

The greatest road anyone will ever travel:  Romans Road of Salvation

  • ACKNOWLEDGE YOU’RE A SINNER

Romans 3:23 KJV “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;”

  • REALIZE THAT SIN DESERVES PUNISHED

Romans 6:23 KJV “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

  • UNDERSTAND THAT CHRIST HIMSELF TOOK THAT PUNISHMENT ON THE CROSS

Romans 5:8 KJV “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

  • BELIEVE THE TRUTH OF THE WORD OF GOD AND CONFESS IT

Romans 10:9 KJV “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved.”

  • PRAY AND ASK GOD TO SAVE YOU. TALK TO HIM…

Romans 10:13 KJV “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

  • UPON THAT CONFESSION THE HOLY SPIRIT WILL MOVE INSIDE YOUR HEART AND STAY THERE UNTIL ETERNITY. AT WHICH TIME YOU’LL BE WITH THE LORD HIMSELF!

Romans 8:1 KJV “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”

  • BUT WHILE YOU’RE HERE, YOU’LL NEVER BE OUT OF HIS PRESENCE!

Romans 8:38-39 KJV “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

DID YOU TAKE THAT STEP? PLEASE MESSAGE ME AND LET ME KNOW! I WANT TO CELEBRATE WITH YOU 😀