Tag: Shari Johnson

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

Tough Times Don’t Take a Holiday

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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

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If it were possible to walk off this planet and return, I’d do it multiple times a day. And I think I’d be better for it spiritually. If I could just get away from the insanity we call living I’d be a better person, I’m sure of it. Last night in the children’s program, one of the littles ask me “how old I was?” I quickly replied “59.” To which another child replied, “Wow, our teacher at school won’t ever tell us how old she is.” But I’m proud of the number of years God has given me on this earth. Every year I survive is a trophy, especially after the heart attack. But right now, in this age, I have to say that eternity gets sweeter by the second because I want to lay hands on people just about that often. “

This “me first” society has gotten so out of control that the only way I can see it becoming remotely sane again, is if God does something drastic to cause it. That’s a scary thought. And even then, the reaction to any kind of catastrophic event would likely be “me first” to the point of extinction. Yep, that’s the path my mind is on this morning. I got up at 4 a.m. which is typical, only wasted an hour scrolling social media before getting my heart right and turning to the word of God, which I’m sometimes worse. But my mind still labored to turn off yesterday. There were things people said, frustrations expressed, and the flesh rearing it’s ugly head like the snake it is on multiple occasions. And that was me, I won’t even tell you what other people did. And all the while, I’m trying my best to serve the Lord. I more often than not think of myself as the crumbs in a bag, more so than “all that and a bag of chips.” But I have days that I want to go to heaven, push anyone out of my way that’s between God and I and say, “Excuse me, but it’s my turn!” There’s actually nobody between God and I except the people that I put there all the time when I stress this mess we’re living in. But it would just be so nice if I could walk off the planet, and into the throne room of God and have a conversation with Him face to face and allow Him to restore my sanity that the world sucks out of me. 

And then I read this:

Galatians 6:1-9 KJVS
[1] Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. 
[2] Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. 
[3] For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.
[4] But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. 
[5] For every man shall bear his own burden. 
[6] Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. 
[7] Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
[8] For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. 
[9] And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

So if I Shari quoted that scripture in a way that my mind could really get ahold of it and apply it my life I would say it like this. 

(1) Brothers and sisters, if there are stupid people in your presence, and you are saved, try to help them get their lives together and do it without pretending you’re holy, because you are they, if it were it not for God’s grace.
(2) After that, help them where you can, as Christ has done for you as an example.
(3)Do not think you’re all that and bag of chips, you’re the crumbs.
(4)But do what God would have you do,  and don’t worry about what others are doing, or not doing. 
(5)You have enough troubles in your own life to keep you busy. 
(6)Take care of the people who teach and preach, spiritually and monetarily. 
(7) Don’t be so stupid as to think God’s not aware of what’s going on. He’ll take care of both those who do good, and those who don’t. 
(8)The “me too” society you’re living in will receive in kind what they’re giving out. 
(9) So, don’t try to walk off the planet. In due time, your day will come. 

That my friends is some serious liberty taken with the Word of God. But that’s what I felt this morning as I read Galatians 6.

When I say I want to walk off the planet. It’s not from the people I love. Or even the responsibilities that God has given me. Those are good times. But this worldly influence that can make even a good person selfish, and unconscious of their effect on others make me want to go to the highest hill and yell, “Gabrielle, blow the horn!” And you know how I hate to walk! But desperate time call for desperate measures. That is why I’ll continue you on gleaning from every opportunity God allows.
Posted in Christian Service, Evangelism, Life Inspiration

How to avoid a perverse Gospel

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Galatians 1:8-12 KJVS

[8] But though we, or an angel from heaven, preach any other gospel unto you than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. [9] As we said before, so say I now again, If any man preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed. [10] For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ. [11] But I certify you, brethren, that the gospel which was preached of me is not after man. [12] For I neither received it of man, neither was I taught it, but by the revelation of Jesus Christ.

In twenty five years of following Jesus Christ, I can assure you I have been lead astray more than a time or two on the subject of the gospel. Especially in those early years. I would listen to any thing that had the name of Jesus Christ attached to it. My curiosity was insane. I wanted to learn every thing I could  and right now. That made me an easy target for the accursed.

Accusations of the Accursed

The definition of accursed in the 1928 Webster dictionary is: Separated from the faithful; cast out of the church; excommunicated.

That’s a pretty strong action! Twice in Galatians 1, Paul said to let them be accursed. But that is what the apostle Paul meant by the seriousness of what these people were doing with the gospel of Christ. They were making grace of no effect in the lives of people He died for by adding works. I understand where the confusion comes from, I’ve been there. And the people I was listening to, were not evil people. At least not all of them, there were a few that I’m pretty sure were devils in disguise. But most were simply put, religious. Believing that surely to goodness man had to contribute something.But that is not the case. And although I am an independent Baptist by church title (IBC), I’ve had issues with IBC from the get go, but much of it I chocked up to my rebellious nature. My issues have never been with their viewpoint of salvation, they believed saved by grace alone, they just occasionally add a few works to whether you’re worthy to be in church.

John Gill’s commentary said this: the doctrine which attributes justification to the works of the law, or mixes grace and works in the business of salvation, which was the doctrine of these false teachers, is no Gospel; not truly so, however it may be called; nor does it bring any solid peace and joy to distressed minds. There is but one pure Gospel of the grace of God, and Christ, and his apostles; there is not one and another; there is but one faith, one doctrine and scheme of faith; the Gospel is single and uniform, all of a piece, has no yea and nay, or contradiction in it; this trumpet gives no uncertain sound, nor any dreadful, but a joyful one:

The phrase “distressed mind” was what really caught my attention. That is certainly what religion does! If I have to wear certain things, do certain things, speak certain ways and act certain ways it is for certain I am stressed! I’m going to mess that up somehow because thats not who I am, or who God created me to be. I know that there are some IBC people who would strongly disagree, and that’s okay. Me and Jesus love you anyway. 

The Jews were adding circumcision and feast days and many of the works of the law back into the grace of God. Tell me how that differs from religion of today? You may have to be an IBC to understand what I’m about to say, but tell me the difference between culottes and shorts? The only difference I see is culottes are ugly! I’ve probably just been excommunicated. Not from my church but the IBC group chat. 😂🤣😂I crack myself up! 

It is unfortunate that I can think of many other acts of works that I’ve seen in many denominations. One is no greater offense than than the other to the grace of God. Anything required of man to be considered good enough to attend church is works. If you want to keep any law God said you have to keep all of it. All 613 of them.

Right now, my goal is to get people to church!  To get people into a relationship with Jesus Christ and understand that He is the only one that has the authority to judge them.

Now, with that being said, He will judge you. You will stand before Christ and answer for what you’ve done for Him. If you’ve accepted Christ’s crucifixion as payment for your sin, you’re saved and your sin is covered. You have nothing else to do for salvation. But He did not save you to sit on a shelf or in a pew, look pretty and make godly potato salad for church dinners. He saved you to serve with humility and to any position He calls you to do. 

I wish God gave me the position of appointing positions, but He did not. That’s His trumpet to blow and yours to hear. 

So as for the perverse doctrines of man, I won’t make any more lists, just a thought: kick worldly ideologies out of the church first. Then perhaps people will see the truth that Jesus saves anyone.

Posted in Faith, Life Inspiration, Word of God

We can want it but we can’t will it

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Would to God I had full understanding of all things in life. Why things happens and why certain things don’t. Why can I not be everything people need me to be? My heart breaks in two and I stitch it back together spiritually just like the doctors in Morgantown, West Virginia did literally, with one exception; they actually knew what they were doing. I struggle with guilt on a good day, add to my day the inability to fix a problem, and the realization that I am no where close the Apostle Paul level of human, and I’m defeated and the wind is sucked out of my sails. 

I spent yesterday in Parkersburg on Church errands while listening to preachers and I thought I was ready to take on Hell with a water pistol. Oh… I was feeling so accomplished spiritually. And then real life happened. Where real people have real problems and I couldn’t fix it. I was physically hobbling around the city because one of my medicines (atorvastatin) is shredding my heels and ankles. Both  of them… not just one. Hey, it’s all or nothing with me! Following that I attempted to fix other issues like I was the Apostle Luke. A doctor of both the physical and the spiritual. As it turns out, I’m not either.

Proverbs 3:1-6 KJVS

[1] My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: [2] For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. [3] Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: [4] So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man. [5] Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. [6] In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

Although I can quote Proverbs 5 and 6, I won’t tell you that I can live it. As for verses 1-4, mercy and truth often feel like they’re choking me so perhaps I at least have them in the right place. 

But let me get to the gist of todays thoughts and try to work my way through this frustration with the word of God as my guide.  

The writer of proverbs is none other than the wisest man ever known,  and yet he too made stupid mistakes. Just because everything is yours for the asking doesn’t mean you should ask. The difference between Solomon’s mistakes and mine is he had the money to back his dumb ideas. But there was a time in the beginning of his life that he sought wise counsel and godly wisdom. Another reason why God doesn’t trust me with money.

Thank God for Grace

Old Testament is filled with History and examples of real people living life in an era not meant for us. Can you imagine if television evangelists could call down fire 🔥 from Heaven for real 😮. Can you imagine stoning a person to death for breaking the law? I have no desire to live in that era, and yet I do when I try to align myself with the law. Grace did not make the law of no effect.

Galatians 5:1-4 KJVS

[1] Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. [2] Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. [3] For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. [4] Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace.

When the Galatians were trying to live out the law under grace, Paul told them that Christ is become of no effect. What a painful statement. And that is how I felt last night, trying to encourage someone without the ability to physically do something. My flesh wants to fix everyone’s life, but I can’t. So Satan tells me I’m a failure. But where grace and Old Testament still exist is when Solomon tells us to lean not on our understanding. While the Spirit came upon Old Testament saints, the Spirit lives within us. They nor us have to go through this life without the wisdom of God that was once given to the Old Testament priests. But we still have to acknowledge Him. 

Acknowledge Him how? 

His Authority. 

Our lives are a product of our decisions, but there is a Kingdom authority that has the power to change hearts, minds and circumstances. But it is at His discretion.  And that’s where our understanding has to come in. We can want it,  but we can’t will it. That’s God’s decision.

We also have to acknowledge His Sovereignty 

God has the authority to make things happen or not, but His sovereignty decides whether or not it does, and both are good. Boy did I need to hear that this morning. Perhaps you did too. Bad things seldom, if ever, appear as good. But the good will come in God’s sovereign time.

Thirdly, we have to acknowledge His instruction.

1 Corinthians 10:13 KJVS

[13] There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

I attempted to quote this verse last night but only made it through the first part. Which was okay, but it was incomplete; in that it didn’t finish God’s thought. God is faithful and unfortunately so is Satan to his work of creating troubles in the lives of God’s people. The difference is, God can take the temptation away or he will help us to bear it and either way we’re coming through. 🙌🏼

Glorrrrrrrraaaaaay! I hope this word encouraged you today. It sure did me! #Shari #TheJesusChick

Posted in Christian, Christian Service, Evangelism, Leadership, Life Inspiration

God Said They’d be Days Like This

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This is the third day in a row that I’ve woken up angry. Monday was as a teacher, Tuesday I was angry with David (who has been making me breakfast in bed multiple times this week, so don’t tell him; and then this morning I woke up angry at a Preacher from Wadsworth, Ohio who I adore. All three times were because of the dreams that I had, that were so vivid I would have sworn they were real. The reasoning behind each one upsetting my soul was that the characters in the dreams weren’t doing what they were supposed to do. Teacher didn’t teach, David (I really don’t know what he didn’t do, I just know he made me mad, you know, it’s a Mr. and Mrs. thing.) And this morning, the preacher didn’t preach. 

In my dream I had been so excited to hear this preacher preach that I skipped my own church homecoming. Well, that wouldn’t happen in real life, but it happened in this dream. When I got there, I was ready to hear the word of God! But what I got was the same thing I got from the teacher on Monday. Gibberish. No gospel, just ear pleasing words for the world. I left the service defeated and confused as to why this gospel preaching preacher had gone by the world’s standards and given up sound doctrine. 

Why indeed? 

Do I think it’s a sign? Yes, that I need to talk to my Doc about my meds, but other than that, not really. It does give cause for concern, because both the teacher and the preacher are positions of great power and authority as well as accountability. Some school board officials might want to think about that, and what they’ll stand accountable for exposing our children to, just saying.   There are some people with a calling to teach, and there are some people who answered someone else’s phone! Why do cranky, nasty, intolerant people become teachers?

As for preachers, a real honest to goodness preacher is appointed by God, not man. But as is the case in many other aspects of life, man has assumed the role of God, or so they think. They’ve actually assumed the role of the god of this world, Satan. Which is why I woke up angry. 

When Paul spoke to the worldly church of Corinth, he gave this warning:

2 Corinthians 4:1-5 KJVS

[1] Therefore seeing we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we faint not; [2] But have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. [3] But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: [4] In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them. [5] For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake.

The Ministry

We have this ministry… Yes indeed we do! And these are exciting times. While every age lives in an age that no one has lived in before, the current age is like watching the words of the gospel play out on a movie screen. For the saved it should be obvious that we need to be busy getting people saved, and when you speak with active church folk that’s what they believe, but there’s not any action on the screen. It’s as if we’re just sitting in the Theatre waiting for the actors to show up. But we’re the actors!  

Paul said “we” have this ministry. There are no other players showing up this season, we’re it. And we’ve got to get busy. 

The Mercy

Mercy is the driving force for me. When I look back on the mercy the Lord has bestowed on me in my lifetime, I am beyond in awe that He would go to such extremes for a failure such as a I. I have let Him down on so many occasions I’m surprised He hasn’t just kicked me to the curb and gotten a new Jesus Chick. I repeatedly say “I’m struggling,” and yet I do very little to fix it. I know some things need to change in my life, but I’ve found multiple excuses to leave them the same. Can anyone else identify with me? Oxen aren’t the only critters that fall in ditches. People do too. And I seem to have been stuck in a ditch lately trying to wiggle my way out but low and behold I just bury myself deeper. 

I need mercy!

Saturday morning as I was doing laundry in my wonderful new machine (that I love) I noticed that the sheets had balled up and I decided to un-ball them. In my great wisdom I opened the front loading washer door, bent over at face level, and pulled the sheets apart. Sheets filled with bleach and detergent… at face level. I suddenly had massive chest pain. I’m not exaggerating the massive part. It took my breath away… or was it the bleach I asked myself. The pain radiated into my back and rather than calling 911, I called my husband David. My go to for times of stress. He told me to go to the hospital, but I didn’t think it was necessary. I told you I need mercy! So he talked to me for a few minutes and I sat in the chair for about an hour until the pain stopped…. No wait it didn’t stop.  To which my conclusion was if it were a heart attack I’d have already died. I’m not making this stuff up, this is what goes on in my head. This is why I had three heart attacks and the Lord extended me mercy in 2018. Mercy in the form of open heart surgery. Which still didn’t teach me a lesson. 

I told you that, not to let you know how very ignorant I am, but to tell you there was some bargaining with God in the waiting room of my pain.

“God, please don’t let this be a heart attack, I have work to do.   There are people I need to see saved, and people I need to tell about Jesus, and I know I’m stupid, and You know I’m stupid. Please have mercy…”

I won’t say that’s verbatim, but it’s close. And I feel the same way a few days after the pain has stopped. I feel the urgency to tell people about Jesus.

The Message

The message is hid from people because Satan has blinded them to see what spiritual minds can see. What a privilege to be among those who can see. Do we understand that privilege? I doubt it. I know too many people who profess salvation but have no desire to share the gospel. That glorious message for which we’ve been given, we are the elite of the Lord and yet we choose to sit at the mercy seat of God and plead for more time that we’re not promised. Not one time in my arm chair pleading did I hear the Spirit say, “okay Shari, you have more time.” No, all I heard was the sound of my pleading.

So this morning as I finish this blog, I’m pleading with myself, and I’m pleading with you, Let’s get busy today. Our ministry is to share the Message… God be merciful unto us and send us souls to share to. Love you all. Mean it for realsies. Shari.

Posted in Christian Service, Church attendance, Evangelism, Faith, Leadership, Life Inspiration

The Greatest of Educators

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I watched yesterday as someone touted their own greatness because of a college degree. I’m not making light of the hard work that is applied to getting a degree, but what complicates this subject for me is when people pay good money for their minds to be corrupted by worldly educators who teach self focus and ungodly principles to live by.  If you disagree that is fine, and if you survived unscathed by higher education I praise God for that, and this blog isn’t even about the worldly education system. Today is brought to you by the Holy Spirit. The best, and only worthwhile Educator that currently resides in this world. 

Titus 2:1 KJVS

[1] But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:

This world is so corrupt that I have no doubt that even the most pure of mind struggles. For the record, that’s not me. I struggle on a good day. Scroll two seconds on social media and something corrupt will be before your eyes and ears. Then one might ask, why do you expose yourself to it? Because mingled in with the world of tares is a bushel of wheat that loves Jesus. 

Matthew 13:25 KJVS

[25] But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.

This is why it’s so important to stay in the word of God. It is pure and undefiled. It is full of nothing but truth and righteousness and through it the Holy Spirit speaks to us and gives us the greatest of all education. Because of it, I can live in this world and look out at the vast fields of earth, and see God’s goodness and I can continue on in sound doctrine, knowing that I am privileged to have unlimited knowledge dwelling within my soul. Is that not the wildest, most wonderful thought? For someone who wrestles with self worth, the Holy Spirit is a touch of Heaven. As I wrote this morning I didn’t feel “less.” Because He makes me feel “more.” He gives me purpose in the day which is to tell the world what Jesus has done in my life. Not to “tout” my own achievements, but to glorify God.

So this morning I speak the sound things that have become sound doctrine in my life and will serve to protect me from the evil of the day. 

Were it not for Grace…

Titus 2:11-15 KJVS

[11] For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, [12] Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 

I cannot look at the word grace without seeing the acronym “God’s Riches at Christ’s Expense.” The wealth of God given to “all” men by their acceptance of what His Son did for them on the cross. It’s so simple, which is why so many in the world have trouble accepting it. It allows no room for their works or their glory which is what the world teaches us to seek. Humility is not the new black. It’s never been an “in” color. And I love color! Imagine the joy that Joseph had when his father gave him the coat of many colors that aggravated his brothers. 

Genesis 37:3 KJVS

[3] Now 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.

They knew Joseph was the favorite and viewed him as a threat. The same reason Satan has sought to destroy Jesus from birth and men and women of the world would rather have religion than the relationship. Religion puffs a soul up, relationship with Christ humbles the heart.

Were it not for Hope…

[13] Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 

Every day I’m looking and listening for the trump of God to sound. I want it now, but also later. I have family and friends who do not know Christ and when the trumpet sounds, and the church disappears from off this earth, my heart sinks in the knowledge that they’ll know why we’re gone. They’ll know because they’ve heard me talk about it. There will be many people on this earth who won’t know because they’ve either failed to hear, or they’ve never been told of what’s coming, or should I say Who’s coming in the clouds of Glory!

1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 KJVS

[16] For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: [17] Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. [18] Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

Were it not for Hope they’d be no comfort.

Were it not for Redemption…

[14] Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. [15] These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

Talk about an expensive education. Mine cost Jesus His life. How dare I allow anyone to look down at me or despise me when the Creator of all the universe gave His life for mine. It is when my relationship with Christ suffers that my self worth suffers. If I’m not reading the word or being encouraged through preaching and other gospel means, I’m a walking target for Satan and his minions to pummel my mind with vile thoughts. And so are you!

An education should lead to purpose. Too many Christians get saved and then begin the wait for Christ’s return. But rather than serving they just sit. They sit in church on Sunday morning, and if they’re die hard’s they’re back on Sunday night and Wednesday. They sit in Sunday School to learn the word, but seldom use the knowledge. I guess they’ll stand before God one day and hope to recite it. And God will pat them on the head and send them skipping down the streets of Heaven. I want to hear, “Well done thou good and faithful servant!” I want to hear God say, “Thank you for your zealousness!”

I hope this word comforted your heart in this trying world. I sure do love Jesus. And I sure do love you. 

Posted in Christian, Christian Service, Evangelism, Grace, Leadership, Life Inspiration

The Word of God is Finished, Not the Work

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Titus 1:10-16 KJVS

[10] For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, specially they of the circumcision: [11] Whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, for filthy lucre’s sake. [12] One of themselves, even a prophet of their own, said, The Cretians are alway liars, evil beasts, slow bellies. [13] This witness is true. Wherefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith; [14] Not giving heed to Jewish fables, and commandments of men, that turn from the truth. [15] Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled. [16] They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

Religion has always left a bad taste in my mouth, but lately, it’s come to the point where I feel like the whale that swallowed Jonah. No wonder he finally puked him out on the ground… one can only take so much. This is the emotion I felt as someone described the current state of their church. (I’m going to claim righteous indignation on this one). I think God’s okay with my ire, after all, it is the souls of men dangling over hell while a preacher looks on, not wanting to hurt their feelings by preaching what thus saith the Lord. 

That was not the case in the letter from Paul to Titus, though the result is much the same. The prophet of which Paul spoke of is said to be a man named Epimenides. The commentary of John Gill said that in his (Epimenides) poems stand the words here cited; the apostle rightly calls him “one of themselves”, since he was a Cretian by birth, of the city of Gnossus; it is reported of him, that being sent by his father to his sheep in the field, he by the way, at noon, turned aside into a cave, and slept fifty seven years and he is very properly called a “prophet” of their own; for in Crete Jupiter had his prophets, and he might be one of them: the priests among the Heathens were called prophets; so Baal’s priests are called the prophets of Baal, and the prophets of the groves, 1 Kings 18:19. 

Epimenides was a judaizing Christian who mixed the works of Old Testament law with the grace of God. Paul warned Titus of the likes of men such as him and told him to call them out, (vs. 13). Would to God that this were the case today. But instead we sit idly by and watch as religious nonsense goes from one extreme to the other. 

I love encouraging people in the word of God, and the Bible certainly tells us to exhort one another. There is plenty of things to be exhorted by in the word of God, it is good news! But today as I focus my mind on being doctrinely sound, trying to be a responsible child of God, frustration mounts and I want to call out lying, evil beasts and slow bellies which is how I view anyone who is in a position of authority in a church (such as a Pastor), who stands before a congregation of God’s people with out regard or a feeling of responsibility or accountability for their souls and fails to tell them how to be saved. To the outside world they’re “good” people. But in reality they are a tool of Satan himself.

Did that word encourage you? I doubt it. But let it be for you, as it is for me this morning; a reminder that we too will stand before God accountable for what we’ve done with the word of God. Not just the Preacher. I’ve been scattered and lack with my blog because I’ve been tired and weary with life. That’s not an excuse, it’s just a fact. So as I read Paul’s charge to Titus, I couldn’t help but wonder what he would say to me as I debate what my role is in the church, and who is it that is coming up behind me? Who are the modern Titus’, Timothy’s, Aquila’s and Priscilla’s? The word of God is finished, but not the work. The names are now ours, and God is calling us out. That is a word of encouragement! 

If you run into a lying, evil beast of a slow belly, tell them what Jesus has done in your life. Perhaps, through your words they’ll desire to know the truth about God.

Posted in Christian, Christian Service, Evangelism, Forgiveness, Life Inspiration

Are You Wearing Compassion

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Philemon 1:1 KJVS

[1] Paul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother, unto Philemon our dearly beloved, and fellowlabourer,

I encourage you to take a few minutes of your day and read the book of Philemon if this blog stirs your soul. I think most of us can relate to an act of betrayal by someone we love. It doesn’t have to be an affair, it can be even the smallest of betrayals;  but any act by someone we love that shows a lack of consideration or respect for the depth of love in a relationship, hurts. For Philemon, this wasn’t a betrayal by a friend, or perhaps he was, but Onesimus the character for which Paul is writing, was a slave who had run away. That was a crime punishable by death. A crime every child of God is guilty of. 

The book of Philemon struck a chord with me today because of a need to forgive some people in my life. People who likely don’t even know, or care that I have ought against them. They’re not friends, they’re just acquaintances through someone else. But their actions hurt someone I love. So therefore, I ain’t happy. And if Momma ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy. Or so they say. 🙂 Actually, that’s not true either. I generally don’t even let people know that Momma ain’t happy. Believing another of Paul’s theories of behavior in 2 Corinthians 2:1-2

[1] But I determined this with myself, that I would not come again to you in heaviness. [2] For if I make you sorry, who is he then that maketh me glad, but the same which is made sorry by me?

But Philemon was such a good place for me to be in spiritually today. Reminding me that the world is need of the forgiveness of children of God. Those who understand the ultimate cost of it by Christ, else how will the world ever know there is a difference. 

What makes this story such a wonderful Christian reminder is the fact that a man of such great stature took the time to write a letter, while he was suffering in prison. He did so to defend a slave and seek out the compassion of his owner to treat the slave not as the piece of property he was, but as a brother in Christ, an equal to the owner. Glory to God that stirs my soul!!! 

Betrayal is harsh, personal and it cuts deep. How many times had Paul been betrayed? It didn’t matter to him, because he looked at the ultimate betrayal he himself had committed against the Lord and it’s where our spirit of forgiveness should come from. That is the chastisement I feel in my soul this morning. I know we’re all human, but humanity is not an excuse in the scope of eternity. While I can get in the flesh and say, “look what they’ve done!” I can just as easily get in the Spirit and say “look what I did.”

Paul knew that Philemon was within his rights as a slave owner to be upset with Onesimus. But he appealed to him not as a slave owner, but as one who had been freed from the bondage of sin in his own life. According to one commentary, there is evidence that a slave who was initiated into the owners religion was no longer a slave, but because of the common bond, was a free man. When Onesimus had left Philemon, he wasn’t a believer, but as God would have it, he met Paul and found his name written in a book of eternity, both on this earth and in Heaven. 

Are there people, who through our treatment of them, can be found to be written down in the book of Life because God made them a divine appointment with us? What if at that appointment we treated them like dung and they were forever lost? Will we not be held accountable? Paul both showed and taught compassion. For me today I have an assignment from the Lord, perhaps it’s yours too. Compassion, wear it well my friends.

Posted in Christian, Eternity, Evangelism, Life Inspiration, Purpose, Word of God

I’ve been reading Israel’s Mail

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Psalm 46, a Psalm I’ve heard quoted and one that I myself have quoted with little regard to the context. But with the current state of affairs in our Nation, suddenly scripture that once encouraged my gentile heart, now points my heart toward eternity and the word toward Israel. Our Pastor’s been doing an amazing study on end times and drawing our minds into the word of God, in ways that cause us to look at scripture, and wonder why it had not been so obvious before. 

Psalms has always been an attractive read for me because of its poetic nature. And that perhaps has been my downfall for understanding. I looked at the eloquence of the words more so than the meaning. With that compass pointing a solid north for me this morning, I delved into Psalm 46 as if I was reading it for the first time. 

Psalm 46:1-11 KJVS

[1] God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. [2] Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; 

Verse one may be one of the most quoted scriptures of all times. And for certain the application can be made to every child of God! He has never forsaken me in a day of trouble, for which I’ve had many. I would still put that on my wall today and call it good; but it’s not written to me. I’m reading Israel’s mail. When I have continued on to verse two, I’ve read it metaphorically. After all, I have yet to see the mountains of West Virginia carried into the sea. But there will come a day when this scripture will be in the literal sense; and those who read it then, who see it live and in action for themselves, will hang onto every word of God as if it’s a life raft, which it will be. Israel will be those people. 

 [3] Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah. [4] There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High. 

The upheaval  we see in our nation and others now will be nothing compared to the upheaval of end times. The mountains referred to in this passage are metaphorically speaking of the  kingdoms and the water  speaks to peoples and nations as it does in Revelation 17:15

 Revelation 17:15 KJVS

[15] And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues. 

So the waters roaring in verse 3 are equivalent to the nations in uproar in verse 6.  We have witnessed in 2020 how quickly nation can turn against nation. How quickly the land of the free and the home of the brave  can become a nation of cowardly jailers who lock up or shut up anyone who disagrees. If you are a liberal of mind, you can say that  i’m wrong, but you can offer no evidence to back up your argument. If you happen to be a conservative who doesn’t believe me, give back your badge, you’re out of the club. 🤪 I brought that up as evidence to the quick changing of times for which we have been warned about. Living in denial (which I personally love) does not stop prophecy. Woah. That should be on a tee shirt. 

For reference I point to 1 Thessalonians 5:1-4 KJVS

[1] But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. [2] For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. [3] For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. [4] But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.

As I continue on I read that the mountains shaking, tumbling, or dissolving (v2, 3, 6) are equivalent to kingdoms falling (v6). This is similar to the picture painted in Micah 1:3-4:

Micah 1:3-4 KJVS

[3] For, behold, the Lord cometh forth out of his place, and will come down, and tread upon the high places of the earth. [4] And the mountains shall be molten under him, and the valleys shall be cleft, as wax before the fire, and as the waters that are poured down a steep place.

If God Himself comes down out of the heavens, He whose hand can span the heavens, what damage might He do to the earth? When Jesus came to earth He came in the form of a man; the foot prints He left on this earth were of no greater stature than that of ordinary men. But end times is a game changer for the earth and God can return in any form He so chooses. Praise His holy name, the church will have been called home. Yes! I am pre-trib.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 KJVS

[13] But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. [14] For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. [15] For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. [16] For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: [17] Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. [18] Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

Now, on with my study…

[5] God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early. 

A new friend gave me a gift yesterday which is what drew me into his scripture. And it was this verse in particular. I adore gift, the giver and the scripture. God is in the midst of me, in m very soul and i shall not be moved! But in context this speaks to God being in the midst of Israel. Right in the thick of end times. There are those in this world that are naive enough to believe that they will have power over God’s people. Foolish, foolish mortals read the end of the book!

[6] The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted. [7] The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah. [8] Come, behold the works of the Lord, what desolations he hath made in the earth. [9] He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire. [10] Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. [11] The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

Verse 10 is yet another verse we find on walls, bible covers and note cards. And yet i doubt there is any person on this earth that would want to live through whats happening when these verses are being played out. 

While reading, and receiving encouragement from the word of God is always a blessing, bible study and understanding will bring God’s purpose for it into perspective. So, even though i had always  opened Israel’s 🇮🇱 mail by mistake, it was good to read and reflect on how God used the psalmist to share prophecy that will encourage us to get busy for the King!

Posted in Christian Service, Life Inspiration

Are You Laboring in Vain?

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I am a lover of words. I love the fact that they can paint an image as clearly as paint on canvas in the mind of a listener. I desire to write in such a manner that causes the reader to feel as though they’re a part of my story. My friend Ed Eisley has that power with words, he’s the greatest of story tellers. He is the greatest of story tellers because he is passionate about the stories he tells and he loves to excite his listeners, that’s a good lesson for the child of God. How excited are you about how God is working in your life?

The Spirit Speaks

When I was first saved, I was beyond excited and I thought everything in my life had godly purpose and intent. As I grew spiritually I began to realize that many of those things that excited me, or I thought were of God were actually distractions of other spirits to get my mind off Kingdom works and onto earthly works. Whatever I do, I’m a zealot. Sometimes to a fault. I was the same prior to salvation, but salvation gave my works value. Perhaps that is what Paul reminded the Galatians of in chapter 4, or perhaps he was just tired of zealots like me who can easily get off focus. 

Galatians 4:6-18 KJVS

[6] And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. [7] Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

Paul reminded them that God had written them into His story! Isn’t that an amazing thought. As the body of Christ, He tells stories through our lives using us as illustration. Is it any wonder I get so excited? But then Paul reminds them about another story that was written prior to their salvation. When they were caught up in the world and the story being written was one of heartache and sorrow, and yet they were turning back to that very thing. So much so that Paul was afraid he’d invested his time in waste.  

The Flesh Speaks

 [8] Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods. [9] But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? [10] Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. [11] I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.

I can get so wrapped up in worldly things that are not wrong, but they’ll have no heavenly value, and they’re for certain a distraction from what my focus should be on as a servant of Christ. I caught myself yesterday volunteering for something that would have been fine, if I had the time, which I do not! Praise God the person for whom I volunteered had enough sense to say, “no, I have someone else who can do it.” I felt my soul sigh a sigh of relief and wondered why I had opened my mouth! Because I’m always trying to please people. And forgetting that I have Kingdom work to do. 

And so I questioned, did God give me the many talents for which He has, as a labor in vain? Should I use them as a bondage to the world and not for the freedom I have in expressing what Christ has done in my life. God created me to be a story teller, an artist of words as well as images, but not to be in bondage by the world who will use my talents and cast them away like yesterdays news. What about you? Have your talents been squandered away by the world and used for their entertainment or glory. And if so are you ready for God to re-focus your attention to His work? I for certain am.

 [12] Brethren, I beseech you, be as I am ; for I am as ye are : ye have not injured me at all. [13] Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first. [14] And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus. [15] Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me. [16] Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth? [17] They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them. [18] But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you.

There was a time when the Galatians were so zealous and excited over Paul’s ministry that they would have plucked their own eyes  out for him to be able to see more clearly. But that depth of love for him had ceased. And when Paul continued in his excitement for the righteousness of God, their focus went elsewhere and now Paul words that had once painted a beautiful image, now upset them because the truth hurts. They were still zealous, but not all zealousness is good.

It’s good to be excited and it’s fine to exited about things of the world. Heck, I got so excited over a recent washer and dryer purchase you would have thought I had gone to Walt Disney World when I did the laundry. It still hasn’t worn off. I was excited because for the first time in all my years of doing laundry, I felt that my clothes were beyond clean!!!! The smell is amazing, the stains are gone and my clothes look shiny and new… a lot like my soul after the salvation of Christ! And yes I’m still excited about that!!!! But I can get off focus. 

Paul’s words reminded me today that I need to get some excitement back in my ministry and stop losing focus to things in this world. I don’t have time for that! 

What about you? Where is your zealousness focused? I pray it is on the things of Christ and that He uses your talents for Him mightily!!! Glory to God He is so good. How can we not be excited?