Posted in Faith, Leadership, Life Inspiration

EXPECTATION AND SANCTIFICATION OF A CHILD OF GOD

There is a consistent struggle in my life that I know I was cut from the cloth of, but it doesn’t make it any easier to live in the garment.  The reason I land on this topic today is, because I stood before someone earlier this week and had to defend why the truth and transparency is important. Then I heard a pious air hole explain their “theories” of religion and I almost puked. The two have much in common for me and have created me to be who I am. You see, I changed garments in 1996. Believe me when I tell you that I still have pieces of the previous garment in my pockets, but the new garment that the Lord gave me reminds me somewhat of Joseph’s coat of many colors given to him by his earthly father. I’m not of Joseph’s caliber of person. Likely our only common thread is that our Father gave us a new coat and people don’t understand why.  

Genesis 37:3-11 KJVS

Not long after that his brothers throw him into a pit and sell him into slavery. They kill a critter and soak Joseph’s pretty new coat in the blood and convince his father that he’s been killed. But of course, God had a plan. This story is one of my favorites and for many reasons, not of the least which is the new coat. 

So let’s talk about this garment for a minute. 

It Caused Contention

[3] Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colours. [4] And when his brethren saw that their father loved him more than all his brethren, they hated him, and could not speak peaceably unto him.

I’m here to tell you, because I’ve witnessed it in multiple people; any time God does something new and exciting in someone’s life there are people who get upset. People didn’t get upset because I got saved, they got upset because I changed garments and it was very colorful! I made it a point to stand out because my Heavenly Father had given me a new garment and I was going to wear it proudly. And if you didn’t wear yours proudly, I wondered why? Unlike Joseph, I knew that all my heavenly siblings had been given the same coat. But they’d take it off. If they were with friends who perhaps didn’t have a coat (the unsaved) they’d take theirs off so they could fit it. I’d either wear it, or we wouldn’t hang out if it bothered people that bad. If they went to work, they’d leave their garment at the house and put on a work garment. Work and faith don’t mix for most people. Praise God, God blessed me with employers who understood and honored my new garment. I didn’t ram my new found faith down anyone’s throat, but I sure didn’t hide it. When I began Ridgeview News, I still wear my garment. I’m going to stand before the Lord one day, and He’s not going to put on a different hat to judge my secular life and then put back on His “spiritual” hat and judge my faith. Nope, they are one in the same in the eyes of the Lord. Have I made mistakes in the secular world. Oh yeah. And in my spiritual walk as well. That coat has gotten soiled on many occasion, God always had a stain remover handy when I came back home.  I know, metaphors can get confusing sometimes, but to put it in layman terms, God forgave my failures, wiped the slate clean and allowed me to begin and again. Many times. In those times of contention, do we forgive those who have sinned against us? Really? With a clean non judgmental slate never to be thought of again. Not likely. 

I know this because I’ve recently brought up things that people did years ago. I wasn’t harboring any anger or ill will about it,  I just liked remembering that people who didn’t like my new coat had issues. 

It Caused Comparison

[5] And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it his brethren: and they hated him yet the more. [6] And he said unto them, Hear, I pray you, this dream which I have dreamed: [7] For, behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and, lo, my sheaf arose, and also stood upright; and, behold, your sheaves stood round about, and made obeisance to my sheaf. [8] And his brethren said to him, Shalt thou indeed reign over us? or shalt thou indeed have dominion over us? And they hated him yet the more for his dreams, and for his words.

His brothers wanted to know, “who died and left you in charge?” Like Joseph, I have upon a few (few too many) occasions, called people out. Right or wrong, I really don’t know, but I know it made me look as though I thought I was God’s favorite and they should straighten up because Dad and I had been discussing the situation. I didn’t for one second think I was better than them, but if they weren’t going to recognize their issues, perhaps I’d just enlighten them. Nobody like’s being called out. Me included, but for some reason I’ve always lived in a world where someone called me out on my stupidity. I’m pretty sure God set that into play too, to keep me humble. 

The point being, God did allow all of this to take place, so that He could show those who thought they were above judgement that they would be judged and God was in control. 

It Caused Controversy

[9] And he dreamed yet another dream, and told it his brethren, and said, Behold, I have dreamed a dream more; and, behold, the sun and the moon and the eleven stars made obeisance to me. [10] And he told it to his father, and to his brethren: and his father rebuked him, and said unto him, What is this dream that thou hast dreamed? Shall I and thy mother and thy brethren indeed come to bow down ourselves to thee to the earth? [11] And his brethren envied him; but his father observed the saying.

Even Joseph’s father, who gave him the coat and started the whole ball rolling didn’t really understand why Joseph was speaking this prophecy. But it does say that his father “observed” it. He took note of it. People don’t have to like what I say. I’m okay with that. I’ve not liked a lot of things, many preachers have said. But, I’m smart enough to look at someone who wears a garment of Christ and take note of what they say because I could be wrong. 

Joseph’s father was wrong. Joseph did indeed end up being over them as ruler. But that’s not the point of my focus today. The point I wanted to bring attention to was the fact that Joseph took every position he had in life serious. As son, as prisoner, as servant, as ruler. It didn’t matter, he lived every position he had as a child of God. 

Our garment is different than everyone else’s if we are a child of God. It’s a royal robe with expectation and sanctification. We are without excuse for not “observing” what God’s doing in our lives. 

Love and hugs from the Jesus Chick today. God bless ya!

Posted in Bible Journaling, Church Unity, Faith, Family, Heaven

God’s kids are weird

It was up on iPad bible when I opened it up. It happened to be the verse of the day on biblegateway.com. No coincidence… I needed it again. 

1 Peter 2:9 KJVS

[9] 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:

A Chosen Chick 

Every day we need a reminder, or at least I do, that God, the Creator of all chose me. Me. A little nobody from the hills of West Virginia to serve Him and tell the world about His Son. He chose you too by the way. So what are we doing with that information today? 

As a child I was almost always odd man out. I wasn’t athletic, so I was most always one of the last chosen for a game. I wasn’t a talented singer, so I was placed in the background of all productions. I wasn’t overly academic, nope… that would have been an exaggeration. So nobody had high hopes in my future. Least of all me. I was everyone’s  friend, and few people’s girlfriend, until I met David Johnson. Someone who thought I was worth fighting for.  And while that sounds like it should make me a little sad, it does not. It fashioned me into the compassionate, socially aware human that I am. While I always thought God had a plan for my life,  even pre-salvation; the closer to eternity I get, the more I realize how critical it is that we fulfill our created purpose. 

Being chosen is a big deal. Not for kickball, but for Heaven! 

A Royal Reason

A Royal Priesthood? According to the 1828 dictionary, a priesthood is “an order of men set apart for sacred offices.” 2 Timothy 2:21 tells us “If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel of honor, sanctified, and meet for the master’s use, and prepared unto every good work.”

The “these” of that scripture speaks of things that dishonor Christ. God expects His people to be different than the world we’re living in. That purpose that He’s chosen us for, (not our earthly purpose) but the one we’re working for in Heaven is also a big deal. There is a position awaiting us in Heaven, a title to be given that we know nothing of while we’re here. But be rest assured it’s a big deal up there. We’re not going to be twiddling our thumbs on a cloud, we’re going to have a position in the Royal House of God! Glory to God! We need to be practicing our best royal behavior while here on earth, because God’s watching and He’ll reward us in kind.  

Being Royal is a big deal.

A Holy Home

While America is an amazing Nation, it’s far from Holy! John 15:19 says “If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.”

For the most part, the nation we live in doesn’t even like us. God said it would probably hate us. And yet, we’re called to defend her. That’s tough. But the guiding principles that we were founded on is a worthy defense. 

When David and I were young, he was terribly jealous. I didn’t understand it because it was not an emotion I felt and certainly not one that I cared for.  It made me feel as though he didn’t trust me. But that wasn’t it at all. He feared losing me, because he had witnessed loss in his life. We belong to a Jealous God. He won’t lose us, because it is He who keeps us, but He knows that the world has attractions that will steal our love for Him and pull us toward evil and heartache. He’s protecting us when He desires our separation from this evil world. 

When God “fabricated me,” He put within me desires that would serve the Kingdom. This world would gladly garner those talents for their use but I’ve been “set apart” at the point of salvation. Those gifts and talents are Holy and they’re placed within the home of Christ (my heart) for a purpose.

Being Holy is a big deal. 

A Peculiar People

Some days I feel flat out weird! But it’s okay, God likes it. Not fitting into this world is readying me for the next world. I don’t want to feel at home here, if I do, that  means that I’ve settled for far less than God intended. Not being popular as a child allowed me to walk a path that hadn’t been cut by someone else. Sometimes the things in our life that feel the worst, end up being what makes us the best… an original piece of art, created by God for the Kingdom. 

Christianity can indeed play a significant role in family dynamics and how parents choose to educate and nurture their children. Many families prioritize spending quality time together in activities that reflect their faith, such as attending church services. Additionally, showing love and care for their children may extend to tangible expressions of affection, such as providing them with gifts like tznius clothes or toys. These gestures can serve as symbols of love and also contribute to a sense of belonging and cherished values within a Christian family.

Glory! Being weird is a big deal. 

It’s why 1 Peter 2:9 is my life verse, and on days that I’m feeling a little weirder than usual, I need the reminder of why. 

Posted in Bible Journaling, Eternity, Life Inspiration, Peace, Prayer

Getting in Tight With God

To say that open heart surgery brings on a realization of mortality is a likely an understatement. We all have somewhat of a an understanding of it, but when suddenly the single organ in your body that keeps you alive isn’t functioning correctly, you realize how very, very close we are to eternity. Literally one heartbeat away. You also realize how very important that relationship with God is.  I wasn’t too awfully worried about politics, world antics or uncompleted goals and the fact that I’ve yet to master many, many chords on the guitar. I wanted to feel my Father stroke my hair and say “Shari, I’m here with you, you’re okay.” And so it was. He did not leave me nor forsake me and for the record, there were no dark hours, because where He is, is Light. I share this so you’ll know if a time comes (which I pray not) that you find yourself in one of those predicaments, He will not leave you either.

So this morning as I read the Lord’s Prayer, it was oh… so… sweet. and each word took on a deeper meaning. Six petitions, (three relating to God’s honor, three relating to our own concerns.

Matthew 6:9

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be Thy name.

FATHER: Creator, Redeemer, Adopter of me, an unworthy urchin of the Gentiles. Brought into a royal family, a blood bought nation, who though many of them have no earthy blood connection, treat me like a true sister through Christ Jesus. They prayed for me and petitioned Heaven on my behalf because they too love the Father, who we call Jesus. He hears our cry, just as an earthly father would and stays by our side. I know… I felt His presence in the hospital, ambulance, operating room and recovery. There is power in the name of Jesus! Our Father in Heaven, and also within the heart of His child.

HALLOWED: Sanctified and set apart. There is none like Him. There is no other name on earth that can calm a raging storm in your life or bring an unexplainable peace upon you through the storm. Buddha, Allah, nor any other of the countless gods this world calls upon have the power of Jesus. And those who encourage people to “call upon the god of their choice” are allowing the demons of Hell to open a door of torment to someone already in trouble. Praise God for He Who calmed my sea. HIS NAME IS JESUS!

Vs. 10 – Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in Heaven.

THY WILL BE DONE: That’s a hard one for someone like me that needs control. So when I lay flat on my back without even the ability to go potty by myself, I suddenly understood that God was truly in control. He took every single earthly power I had away. It was just He and I. Like it always had been, but I had had forgotten. His will is for a relationship with His children that cause them to work toward all things eternal, not earthly. There is no fear in running towards Jesus, but there is a definite fear of leaving behind those who do not know Him.

Vs. 11 – Give us this day our daily bread.

DAILY BREAD: Just enough. When the children of Israel ate manna in the wilderness there was no excess with the exception of what was needed to eat for the Sabbath. Jesus tells us in John 6:48 – I am that bread of life. His Word will fill the soul like a hot buttered biscuit with jam fills the belly. Matthew 6 continues on to tell us not to worry for any earthly necessity, God’s got us covered. But we should strive to collect the thoughts of God through His word and fill our soul with it in abundance so that when we’re laying there flat on our back, we don’t need to see the book. We are the book. And we are filled to the brim in want of nothing!

Vs. 12 – And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

FORGIVENESS: I can say with all honesty that I haven’t been concerned with anyone who’s hurt or upset me over the course of a life time in the past few weeks. Life in perspective is knowing that the only forgiveness that matters is my Father’s in Heaven. Scripture says that we must forgive others if we expect it in return. If Christ can hang from the cross, a sinless man, only guilty of loving us and forgive we who take His act for granted, how can we dare say we’ll not forgive anyone? It makes me nauseous to think of the times I’ve held someone’s soul in the balance of un-forgiveness because of pride and pettiness on my part.

Vs. 13 – And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For Thine is the Kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen.

DELIVERANCE: Temptation comes from the side of flesh, not Spirit and it is easily accessible and readily available to take us away from the peace of God. And for all that’s left in this wicked world, Satan is seeking the opportunity to devour us as a lion. Especially those who actively serve God and desire to make a difference. Daniel and the three Hebrew boys were not chosen for the lion’s den and the fiery furnace by happenstance. From the Old Testament to John the Baptist and the Disciples of Christ, Satan has targeted God’s chosen vessels. He’s still targeting us. But Hallelujah we serve the Living God whose Kingdom will never fall, He Who holds ALL POWER and will receive ALL GLORY forever. Satan loses, we just have to keep on serving. We who are in Him Win! Glory!

Posted in Grace, Life Inspiration, Life's Failures

Another Day… Another Faith Lesson

Picture1

Faith! How on earth do the unsaved survive without it? I was one of them for 34 years, and yet it feels like I’ve never been. Has it been so long that I’m just walkin’ in perfect peace? The answer to that would be a big “No.” There are times, more often than not, that when a crisis occurs I get a smile on the inside of my heart (that sometimes eeks its way out to my mouth) that knows “God’s got this!” And then there are the times when I fall to the flesh and get that queasy stomach and feelings of uncertainty that cause me not to walk by faith but rather walk by sight which is no doubt the worst thing we can do. There is no peace to be found in relying on self, anyone, or anything in this world.

WE ARE JUSTIFIED BY FAITH

Romans 3:28

Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

We are made innocent, guilt free by faith. Just as if I’d never sinned. How many worries and concerns in life come because of something that in err we have done or said and the guilt is heaped upon us. Satan loves to poke us with that big stick does he not? Reminding us again and again of our failures and recommending solutions that only end up making us tired when all the while God is waiting for us to let Him fix the issue. It may be with an apology if something’s been said that shouldn’t have been, or perhaps we need to right a wrong, but the guilt gathers at the door is laid their by Satan. Jesus took ours as far as the east is from the west. Psalm 103:12

WE ARE PURIFIED BY FAITH

Acts 15:8-9

And God, which knoweth the hearts, bare them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as he did unto us; And put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith.

That grin I get in my soul. That’s the Holy Spirit! How awesome that feeling is when it wells upside of you and comes out on your face, that God Himself dwells within your heart cleansing the junk that I add daily into my life.

WE ARE SANCTIFIED BY FAITH

Acts 26:18

To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.

Sanctification: Set apart. In order to have that faith that brings a smile to your soul there must be separation from sin and the things that lead into sin. You can’t hang out on the Devil’s door step and think that God’s going to join you. He said to “be ye separate.” 2 Corinthians 6:17

One of the greatest stealer of the joy and peace Christians are afforded is the idea that you can continue as a part of the world, loving all the things in and about it and “fit” God in when it’s handy. God won’t play second fiddle to anyone or anything; and there’s a long list of things that we are all guilty of putting before God.

So I realized again today that much of my faith failures come because I spend too much time “working” on trying to get life right and not enough time Reading the Word of God, Relying on the Grace of God and Remembering Who it is that has my world in His hand.