Tag: Shari Johnson

Posted in Faith, Family, Grace, Leadership, Life Inspiration

A Gentle Reminder from Dad, a Stern Reminder from God

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on A Gentle Reminder from Dad, a Stern Reminder from God

Self awareness is always a good trait to have in this sinful world. Else we’ll get too big for our britches. And I’ve been there both spiritually and physically. It’s amazing the many forms for which the word of God takes on:

It can be a cool drink of water 💦 when the heat is on

A comforting blanket when you’re tired and weary

A sword when you’re in the battle

A ❤️ love sonnet when you feel unlovable

A cheerleader 📣 when you feel discouraged

And a for those of us who have a tendency to wander and stray it most assuredly can be a trip to the woodshed. It can be so much more! Its an ever transforming living document that was inspired by Almighty God and has powers that no ordinary writing has.  This morning I’m in awe at what I’ve been given… and yet do not use to my full potential. That is why I need those trips to the wood shed to remind me.

 Hebrews 12:9-13 KJVS

[9] Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?

It’s Dad’s Fault

I’ve often told you of my earthy father, Gene Paul Hardway. He was (and is in Heaven) a jewel of man. But chastisement was not his forte. No, I could count on one hand, possibly one finger the times I remember my father chastising me. His kind heart and nonjudgmental ways were what most who knew him would say they remember. That and his love for music, dancing a jig and above all, my mother. He was a great example of God’s love. He was not however a great example of God’s discipline. He just expected us to be good. God knows better. It is because of my dad’s non disciplinary ways that I attribute (aka blame) my failures at taking God serious until I hear from Heaven. Because I didn’t grow up with a great deal of discipline. Until I met Jesus, and then I learned what real discipline was. 

It’s God’s Fruit

 [10] For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. [11] Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. 

While somehow or another I managed to come out unscathed by my earthly fathers lack of discipline, that would not have been the case spiritually speaking. If I did not have the continual  chastening of God upon me, I’d be a wino at the bottom of the ditch of life. And if you think I’m just writing words, you are wrong. Were it not for the salvation of Christ I’d be a much bigger mess than I am. But because of His continual correction I walk with the freedom and peace in the knowledge of my forgiveness and grace. That precious piece of fruit can only be tasted by a child of God. 

It’s my Feebleness

[12] Wherefore lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees; [13] And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.

Paul was the church’s spiritual earthly father. Not Catholicly but rather in leadership. We all need the leadership of a Pastor who (through the Holy Spirit) guides his people on the earth. The Bible used mighty men of God throughout each era. Abraham, Moses, Joseph, Isaiah, and so on. Times have not changed. We still need earthly leadership to keep us accountable. Hands hanging down and feeble knees could have certainly spoke to the churches weak praise and prayer life then and now. It’s tough to praise and pray in tough times. That is why we need earthly leaders that arouse in us the Spirit of God and excite us about the hope of Heaven. I’m excited now just writing about it. Thinking of my Dad today and what it must be like for him to be in the presence of Almighty God! That’s exciting stuff! 

But for now I must go on on the earth. I have work to do. I need to get my feeble hands and knees in action in praise and prayer. I needed this stern talking to this morning to remind me that my Father has great expectations about my day. And I will not accomplish that which He has set before me unless I’m prayed up and ready for Victory. 

How about you my feeble friends. Are you ready for the day? Let’s go! 📣 

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

Distractions, threats and battles

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on Distractions, threats and battles

And such is life.

Over the years I’ve had the opportunity to visit many churches, and from those visits I always leave with new friends. Then, by the means of social media I am able to stay connected to those that I grew to love in just a very short while. Apostle Paul did not have that privilege. And I do count social media as a wonderful privilege, even though it can also be used as a tool of the Devil. Satan always does his best to take what God receives glory for, and make it evil. And  he’s wildly good at it. But he will never be as good as God with connecting to people; because there is a definite difference between Spirit filled friendships and friendships formed by worldly means which is the biggest tool in Satan’s box of devices. It’s why it’s very dangerous to attract people to a church with worldly ideas. While a coffee bar is sweet! And I’m all about coffee and fellowship, but if they come for the coffee and don’t receive the truth of the gospel, you’re in Satan’s wheelhouse, not the Lord Jesus’. If you attract young people by loud music and lock-ins,  and at no point during that evening you calm it down and bring their minds into the comforting Spirit of Christ, you’ve missed the mark. But this isn’t a blog post about coffee bars and rock music, it’s about friendship. But just like a good church service, the Spirit of God, and the message of Christ has got to be the foundation of a sustainable friendship. 

I have friends in the world who don’t know Christ. And as much as I love them, I do not receive the same encouragement from them, who I may be with in person quite often,  as I receive from my friends in Christ, who I met once, but they continue to encourage my soul just by remembering them, or connecting online. 

Philippians 1:27-28 KJV

[27] Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; [28] And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.

 Paul wrote to the people of Philippi about his desire to visit, but whether he came in person or not he wanted their relationship to be founded in Christ and rock solid in the wisdom that no matter how many times and ways Satan came against them, they had the power of God through their salvation to withstand it!

Glory! I just wrote myself happy with that remark. Because while I receive encouragement from friends in Christ, the demons of Hell don’t let up. 

I got up this morning and asked God to please give me a message. And then I tuned into social media for a couple of hours…. yes, you read that right, and ignored God. Because that’s how fickle I am when something shiny, funny or inquisitive pops up on the screen. 

But when I finally settled in to some scripture, immediately my heart was pricked with the word of God and it seeped into my soul. Reminding me that, like Paul, I have friends that I need to encourage. 

Satan can come from any avenue he chooses. And the closer it is to the avenues that Jesus walks on, the better he likes it; because he knows all he has to do is get us distracted, scared or bothered and he has our mind ensnared and away from the thoughts of God.

Diva Distractions

I can be such a Diva! I keep telling you guys how shiny things capture my attention, but not just shiny, anything that floats my fleshly boat. A diva is defined as a temperamental woman who’s hard to please. I don’t really consider my self that until I think of myself in the Spirit realm. Remember the earlier comments about the worldly attracts that get people in church, well, worldly distractions keep me out of the word of God. And God will not compete with the world. He already won that battle on the cross. He’s not fighting it again. 

He wants His people to desire Him above all else. When “else” is in the picture, we’re distracted. Whew! Can I get an amen! How can I study the word of God when the world has my number on speed dial with bling and things? That’s why Paul told them to “Let their conversations be as it become the the gospel of Christ.” Turn the world off! 

Terrifying Threats

Another distraction that Satan loves to use is fear. If he can keep you cowering in fear from speaking boldly for Christ, he’s gotcha. Today’s current trend is to “cancel” anyone who speaks the truth. That’s scary. Especially if you use the social platform for the ministry. Because the very reason you’re there is the very reason that will get you canceled.

Speaking boldly won’t only get you canceled on social media, it will get you canceled by friends. Years and years ago, when I was first saved, a friend was having a party. It wasn’t evil, it was just a little tasteless. Someone who went told me later that when they ask my “friend” why I wasn’t there, she said, “I can’t invite her, she’s all churchy now.” Hmmm…. I was canceled before canceling was cool! I can assure you if you’re bold for Christ, you’re gonna get canceled. But count it an honor that you are too exclusive to be on their list. Only the best will dine with Jesus in Heaven.

While that is scary, it’s not terrifying. Terrifying threats come when your Christianity prevents you from participating in things like getting a job, getting a loan, getting healthcare. That’s what this cancel culture is trying to accomplish.  They want to “retrain the brains” of conservative thinkers by putting us in “retraining camps.” That’s no joke, and I’ve heard it come out of the mouth of more than one popular liberal whose voice will be heard in Washington. This is why we need to speak out in our communities while we have the chance. We need to tell every elected official that we will not tolerate their votes going toward the liberal agenda, and if it does, we need to make sure someone stand against them boldly and loudly the next election. 

Apostle Paul did is best to persuade King Agrippa who said in Acts 26:28 “Paul, almost thou persuades me to be a Christian.” Has anyone said that about us lately?

Bothersome Battles

A great distraction from the gospel is anything for arguments sake. Scroll social media and I can almost guarantee at least one of your friends is on a rant about something. Our minds immediately go to that place… then to the comments…. then maybe commenting ourselves. Then back to follow up on those comments! Those bothersome battles can consume our day. I speak from experience. Just bein’ real. If it’s shiny, I’ll look!

Take this challenge today… scroll your own social media posts for one day and count how many are encouraging in Christ, or simply worldly thoughts and notions. If it’s the latter, why? This is not to get on you, it’s to encourage you to keep godly conversations going, not worldly ones. Because your worldly conversations may be the “something shiny” that distracts another brother or sister in Christ. Not that we can’t have normal conversations; but the bulk of our conversations should be used to draw all men to Christ. 

Hey, here’s an idea. If this blog encouraged you today, share it! Then you’re one post up on the side of Christ!

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

How I Get My Fix

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion 2 Comments on How I Get My Fix

Again and again I write of missing my comrades in faith that have yet to return to church because of the Covid-19. No doubt very much like Paul’s friends were missing him during his ministry work elsewhere. In the very instructional book of Romans, Paul tells His his friends that there is purpose in his desire to meet with them, because he wanted to impart unto them a spiritual gift.

Romans 1:11-18 KJVS
[11] For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established;

FIXED FIRMLY IN THE FAITH
That’s what the 1828 Dictionary says about the word “established.” The modern dictionary used the word fixed, but did not add the word firmly. Being fixed firmly in our faith and the spiritual gifts that God has given us means that we are tuned into the purpose God has for us and solid in the practice thereof. Paul knew that a young church would need encouragement to continue on when life got hard. That’s still true, no matter how young or old. I don’t harp on church attendance because I think people are heathens, I repeat and remind the church of their need for one another and the fellowship fo Jesus Christ to firmly fix us during these hard times. Pastor Dolton Robertson tweeted this morning

“I feel like I’m preparing for a long, exhausting walk into the cold darkness of tyrannical revenge and yet, we are far from what the majority of believers throughout history had to endure. The difference-they rejoiced at the stake. I get discouraged over inadequate phone signal.”

Can i get a witness on anyone else who can identify with that? I know God understands when I get frustrated with this world today, but do you think sometimes you can hear Him say. “Will you stop whining for a second so I can speak?” I’m pretty sure I’ve heard that. Praise God for Sunday and Wednesday. It’s how I get my fix on faith. All the loose parts and grinding cogs get tightened and oiled with the Spirit and the word of God.

FIXED FIRMLY IN COMFORT

[12] That is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith both of you and me.

My heart receives such comfort from my friends of mutual faith. Friends that I know struggle just like me! Listening to their testimonies of having made it through struggles and trials is such encouragement to my spirit. I know the next time I’m in a dire straight, I can remember of their success and how God brought them through and have hope for my own journey. That’s just one (but a very important one) that we all need.

FIXED FIRMLY IN MY MIND

[13] Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles. [14] I am debtor both to the Greeks, and to the Barbarians; both to the wise, and to the unwise. [15] So, as much as in me is, I am ready to preach the gospel to you that are at Rome also.

Paul knew there would be disappointment in the church when he was unable to come and teach and preach. I can’t imagine the frustration and disappointment of those who want, but can’t come to church. It has to be greater than mine. Paul had responsibilities to take care of multiple churches. He couldn’t always be there for them. It reminds me of the circuit riding preachers of the day. But when the time came, he’d get to Rome and he’d give them the Gospel. How exciting that must have been!!! I have to believe and encourage myself that my friends will be back. And I hope soon. I have to trust God that this rough patch we’re going through will end. I don’t really think we’ll return to the old normal, but I do believe God is going to bring us back together again. I have to fix my mind firmly on that thought, else it would be too much to bear. We need each other. We have much work to do.

FIXED FIRMLY IN MY FACTS
[16] For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. [17] For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith.

The fact is, we need each other to strengthen our faith. When we see others praying and serving it encourages us to go on with our own ministry work. And yes! You have work to do. How else will you have nourishment for your spirit? Sharing your faith, (faith to faith) builds our confidence in why we continue. Getting re-oiled like the tin man… or woman as the case may be, every time we study the word of God, share the word of God, pray for each other and receive the answers. All of these fixes us firmly in the facts of the gospel. We know its true because we’re experiencing it and expressing it to each other.

The Bible is unlike any other book. You cannot just read it once and think that you’ve received all you need in wisdom. Everyday. Everyday. Every day. Get some word in you. And at every opportunity get some time with your people… we need each other. That’s how I get my fix.

Posted in Bible Journaling, Christian Service, joy, Life Inspiration, Music, Word of God

Creative Armor

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on Creative Armor

So yesterday (against my will, kinda kidding) I received the Covid Vaccine. When I say against my will, I meant that I really didn’t want to take it. But the hubs and the daughter thought I should, and so I did. There is a rebellious side to this Jesus Chick that doesn’t like being told what to do. Sometimes even by God if I’m being honest. But especially by the government. When they gave me my little “passport” card it made me slightly nauseous. And so it begins… my permission slip to travel, to go to a concert, to live. Does it sound like I’m bitter? Well maybe a little. I came home and took my frustrations out on my guitar, which in hindsight with a sore arm this morning may not have been such a good idea. Rebellion comes with a price. 

But it all got me to thinking about prevention. You know… an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. I believe that; I’m just terrible at practicing it. Except spiritually. I’m a “little” better at that. Not perfect by any stretch of the imagination. A worthy study this morning is from the book of Ephesians, a well known and quoted verse in the Christian circles, but it certainly takes on a weightier meaning in present day.

Ephesians 6:11-18 KJVS

[11] Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 

Wiles: devious or cunning stratagems employed in manipulating or persuading someone to do what one wants: 

There isn’t any earthly armor that will stop that bullet. But there is something that will stop it. The Word of God. If I don’t begin my day in Bible Study, I begin it in a weakened condition. I’ve already allowed penetration points in my armor. I’m not sure what was in that vaccine yesterday, but supposedly some form of concoction that will sure up my body against an attack of the Rona. Spiritual battles are far more complicated to predict, and individualized, but one similarity for certain is that they both attack the weak. The virus attacks the weakened immune, the devil and his tribe attacks the weakened in spirit. 

That’s what’s wrong with most churches and most Christians. Folks show up on Sunday, take a dose of medicine from the preacher and then head back out into the world. But come Monday morning, some of his words were forgotten, the spiritual high you had when you left church is beginning to fade, and Satans minions are on you like white on rice. You could refortify the armor but, you’ve got a busy day, or Facebook is calling, Instagram is rolling and you need your peeps! No, we need God.

Speaking from experience, the second I enter the passcode to my phone Satan has me on a downhill slope to Socialville. It’s a great place… til it’s not. Much like Covid it’s a communicable disease. It attacks without warning, crippling the spirit through cunning strategies of Satan. Manipulating our minds and persuading us to do what the world wants us to do. Comply. Accept their norm as our norm. 

In a month or so, I have to go back for Maderna part 2. A booster to the shot I received yesterday. That’s what daily bible study is. It’s a booster to the word you received on Sunday! I know life happens, but in some form or another, your have got to get the word into you. For me it’s either bible study, preaching or podcasts. I listen to Christian based news on Blaze, I avoid liberal media and people as best I can, unless it’s for the purpose of soul winning. And that mind set is another avenue to strengthening my armor. If I have in my mind to win souls for Christ, I’m not thinking of them as foul mouthed liberals with an anti conservative attitude. I’m thinking of them as an unsaved child that needs God. 

Another tool for buckling up the Armor of God (at least for me) is creativity. The happiness I glean from being creative helps my mind shield the negative thoughts that Satan would like to pummel me with. Whether it’s music, art, or crafting around the house I fully believe God put desires like that (or others) that keeps our mind active and protected from wicked influences. Maybe creativity is not your thing, but I guarantee there’s a spot in your brain with a desire to do something that makes you happy. Take time for it today!

I did a pod cast on Saturday called “Thank God for Grace.”  It’s less than a ten minute listen, but it encourages you to get creative with a project of the week. The link is at the top of this page under “The Jesus Chick Podcast” tab. I hope to do those every Saturday, and maybe even expand into some other bible studies. I do that as much for me as anyone else. Because every creative thing I do for the Lord helps to keep one of Satan’s wicked darts from penetrating my mind, or heart. Spiritual battles scare me. Because one that burns out of control can take a child of God from the mountain to valley very quickly. 

So here’s my advice for us all. Get creative for Jesus. Or organizational or cleaning or what ever it is that floats your boat and makes your soul happy in Christ. 

Blessings!

Posted in Evangelism, Faith, Fear, Grace, Life Inspiration, Peace

Don’t Live with Stolen Peace

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on Don’t Live with Stolen Peace

“I’ve been reading in the book of Revelations a lot Shari.” That has been spoken to me many times lately. I love the fact that people are so inclined to share their scripture reading with me, those who are church goin’ folks, and those who aren’t. People are searching for answers to these unprecedented times. They know somethings up, they just don’t know what it is. And it’s no coincidence that even non bible reading people are searching scriptures for the answer. From birth we are drawn to God, and He continues to draw His people to Him. Unless, He gives them over to their own wickedness because they’ve gone past a line that He alone knows. Scary thought. 

John 12:32 KJV

And I, if I be lifted up from the earth, will draw all men unto me.

I’m so glad He drew me in February 18th, 1996. My life has been so blessed and this is my 25th anniversary year of salvation. Woot woot!!! That’s a reason to celebrate! And the peace of salvation is yet another reason. I truly don’t understand how the unsaved are making it through these days without the Holy Spirit’s comfort. Peace, beyond understanding… what a gift. 

In the book of Revelation peace is mentioned two times. Once to those who have it, and once to those who it was stolen from. 

Revelation 1:4 KJV

John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and fro,m the seven Spirits which are before his throne;

Peace to the Church

John wasn’t speaking to any denomination regardless of what religion tells you. Nobody owns Saint John. Well, God does. But not any church. At this time John is writing to seven church in Asia from the Isle of Patmos where he’d been banished. They had tried to “cancel” John too. It’s nothing new. But the word of God will not be stopped, not then and not now until He has completed His work on earth. And that is the reason that people are drawn to the book of Revelation, because it is the book of God’s final work on earth. While we’re not living in the tribulation, else the church would be gone, we are living in times of trial leading into it. God is preheating the oven for Sunday dinner, so to speak. 

Sunday’s coming…if you’d like to listen to that sermon by Dr. Jack Hyles. It’s a good one! and here’s the link: https://youtu.be/ULO2Bwhg_vc

But if you’ll stay tuned to me for just a second, I’ll finish up my thoughts on the peace of God for these troubled times.

John reminded the church of their gifts of salvation, the grace of God, and the peace of God. Thank God for grace! Lord Jesus knows I need it daily as I stumble through this world making error after error, watching my world fall apart around me, knowing that I don’t measure up to the word of God, and yet He still allows me to play a part in the salvation of others by sharing God’s word in this and other formats and experiencing the peace that passes all understanding. We cannot allow ourselves to take grace for granted and our opportunities to talk to our family and friends about the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. They need to hear it whether or not they want to. Yes, they’ll cancel you out if they can. But hopefully that seed will take root in their hearts and they’ll discover how wonderful the peace of God is. We are a privileged people to have peace. Surely we know this when we see the opposite of that in the faces of those who know not Christ, or they know Christ, but they’re failing to experience Him because they don’t have a relationship with Him. 

I know the people in my own life get tired of hearing me say, go to church, go to church, go to church. But John didn’t write to the people of Walmart. He wrote to the church. Those who were active in the body of Christ. They’re not a perfect people. But they’ve got enough sense to know they need to be with God’s people for encouragement and they need to hear the word of God on a consistent basis so that the peace doesn’t slip away. Glory to God for the church!

Now lets discuss for a minute the other group of people John wrote to and about. 

Stolen Peace from the Earth

Revelation 6:1-4 KJV

 And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see. And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer. And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see. And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.

Satan has always loved chaos and God is never the creator of chaos. Although some would have you believe it. God will certainly let us reap what we sow, that’s scriptural too, but its not created by Him, it’s created by us. We are the ones who have allowed this earth to get in this shape. We’ve sat silent and watched as the church faded into the background of Sunday morning priorities, given way to the lake and the shopping mall and sleeping in. Oh gracious, I’m preaching now! But it’s the truth. If you’re not in church on Sunday morning you know it’s the truth. You don’t have peace, and if you think you do, you’re being deceived by the guy on the red horse. Actually I don’t know who was on the red horse. Likely one of Satan’s minions who in John’s day were emperors of war who stole their peace, but spiritually and metaphorically is speaking of the spiritual wars we’re battling today. 

I’m certainly not a scholar of the book of Revelation. I know just enough to be dangerous, but I know the gospel. and I know how it works. God is peace. Satan is everything this world thinks is peace. He is the great imitator of God and attempts to deceive even himself that he will have that role some day. Foolish demon. 

Are you a child of God? Don’t let Satan take your peace. Trust that God has our story written out in Victory. And tell your people, they need to know! And for certain live that peace in front of them because that testimony will be what wins them over and makes them desire to know the God of all!

Amen? Amen!!!

Posted in Christian Service, Faith, Life Inspiration, Prayer

Well, Now that you mention it

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on Well, Now that you mention it

In the book of Luke, chapter 11, Jesus gives His disciples a sample prayer. Not the prayer to end all prayers, but rather a starter prayer. Then they were to build their relationship with the Lord from His example. But too often in vain repetition the world takes a prayer and recites it again and again in hopes of yielding different results. Imagine if I came to you every day and said nothing but, “Hello friend, Your a good soul, may God bless you with food to eat and forgiveness and protect you.” And then the next day again I come to you and say, “Hello friend, Your a good soul, may God bless you with food to eat and forgiveness and protect you.” And again the next day and the day following. How annoying would that be! I don’t believe you’d feel my love for you, but rather you’d feel I was patronizing you as a friend. I fear God may feel that way with us. While I don’t recite the Lord’s Prayer every day, I say many others that, even though they are heart felt and desired, they’re not necessarily thought out and inspired. There is a time and a way for repetition in prayer, but it’s not through memorization. It’s through meditation. When we begin a conversation with God, while He’ll take it from an obligatory vantage point, He would much prefer, it were from adoration. 

The Adoration of God

If rather than the repetitious conversation from above, I came to you each day and said, “Hello friend, what can I do for you today?” Suddenly that conversation sparks opportunity. And you might say to me, “Well, now that you mention it, I need your help with…” And so our relationship grows and you feel loved and I feel needed. And it’s a great day! The same holds true with God. Just as any earthly Father, God wants to feel loved and appreciated. After all He is our provider. Jehovah Jireh. That alone gives us plenty to say to Him. 

The Consecration of  God

When Christ gave the disciples His prayer, He addressed God as His father and then said “Hallowed be thy name.” Can I tell you that I often forget Who’s throne it is that I’m approaching. If we want our prayers answered, we might begin by realizing that the God we’re speaking to is a Holy, perfect, and all knowing God. He didn’t want the pretentious attitudes of the Pharisees, He knew their hearts already, and just wanted truthfulness and the recognition that He is all that and a bag chips and He makes the world go around. Consecration is to ordain, or dedicate something to God as Holy and Sacred. It’s also the acknowledging that He is Holy and Sacred. Thinking of Him in that respect does not diminish the fact He is also a relational God who understands our humanity. The religious of Jesus’ day (and ours) just puffed themselves up through vain words and showmanship. God just wanted them to be real.

The Motivation of God

God gave this wonderful illustration after the prayer of friendship. 

Luke 11:6-13 KJVS

[6] For a friend of mine in his journey is come to me, and I have nothing to set before him? [7] And he from within shall answer and say, Trouble me not: the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give thee. [8] I say unto you, Though he will not rise and give him, because he is his friend, yet because of his importunity he will rise and give him as many as he needeth. [9] And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. [10] For every one that asketh receiveth; and he that seeketh findeth; and to him that knocketh it shall be opened. [11] If a son shall ask bread of any of you that is a father, will he give him a stone? or if he ask a fish, will he for a fish give him a serpent? [12] Or if he shall ask an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? [13] If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him?

He tells them of a friend who came to spend the night with Joe, and the friend was hungry, but Joe’s kids were in bed and he just wanted to get some rest himself. He had to work in the morning. But the friend would not shut up. And so Joe got out of bed and gave him a fried bologna sandwich (probably not; unless it was made of chicken) but any way, he did that not because he loved his friend, all though he did, but because his friend kept asking and asking and asking! It was wearing on his soul. 

For the record, we do not wear on God’s soul. But, He does honor repetition borne from the Spirit with passion and desire. This is when repetition is fine with God. When we want something for the right reasons. When our kids ask us for a sandwich, we don’t give them spinach. Well maybe bad parents do. 😂 But a good parent wants to give their children something that satisfies their longing and is good for them! God is no different. But He’s not speaking of prayers that ask for cars and houses. While those things may or may not be needful, God is much more concerned about the spiritual state of His children. Verse 13 says as much:  If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children: how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to them that ask him? 

This of course was written before the Holy Spirit was placed in man. We now have the Spirit in us every day without fail if we are saved. And even though He’s within us and certainly knows the desires of our hearts, He still wants a relationship with us. From the beginning, in the garden with Adam and Eve, all God wanted was a relationship with them. When they valued the product of the tree more than their relationship with God it had to have been gut wrenching to Him. I don’t believe it’s any different today… and yet I’m so guilty.

Last weekend my Apple Pencil broke. Oh my stars, I was absolutely lost with out it! It didn’t stop me from using my iPad but it certainly squelched my creativity. It’s an expensive tool of the trade for a artist and I spent my week in frustration, whining because I didn’t have my apple…. good grief. I was such an “Eve.” I could have better spent that time getting creative in my conversations with God, but I did not. Just like Eve could have yelled for God to come to her rescue, but she let that idiot Satan tempt her with that apple. I know it was a fruit… not an apple. But my point is, its a physical thing, that took away from the spiritual. Just Iike my apple.

Perhaps Joe should have gotten out of bed and spent some time asking his friend… “what can I do for you?”

Today we should be asking God, “What can we do for you?” We need to adore Him more. Respect Him more. And passionately seek Him more. 

When the disposes ask Jesus for a sample prayer, Jesus didn’t hesitate, He gave them the spiritual guidance they needed. But when some lawyers came on the scene later in the chapter and ask Jesus why He was upset with them, He answered them too!

Well, now that you mention it…

Luke 11:45-46 KJVS

[45] Then answered one of the lawyers, and said unto him, Master, thus saying thou reproachest us also. [46] And he said, Woe unto you also, ye lawyers! for ye lade men with burdens grievous to be borne, and ye yourselves touch not the burdens with one of your fingers.

There’s got to be some action involved with our friendships. Including that of our friendship with God. When we go to Him in prayer, seeking the many desires of our heart, we need to ask Him about the desires of His heart…

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

The Mayhem, the Ministry & the Master

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on The Mayhem, the Ministry & the Master

A January 7th, 2021 perspective.

Woah Baby! What a ride we went on yesterday. Praise God for Wednesday Night Church and leadership that has the hard conversations the church needs to hear. There were times yesterday when I wished I was in Washington. I am so fed up with our National leadership who failed America in her most desperate moment. Most desperate? Seriously, after everything our country has been through from the Civil War to Afghanistan? And yesterday was our most desperate? Yes and Amen. Because yesterday was the first time EVER that the constitution was not defended by our government with the exception of President Donald Trump. And the citizenship who did was mocked for it.

I didn’t spend a whole lot of time on social media yesterday, I mostly tuned in to what was happening at and in the Nation’s Capitol. But yesterday evening a post went through me and I wanted so badly to respond. But I did not. The post was from the liberal perspective. An “educated” person, as a matter of fact an educator without an ounce of common sense when it comes to what they should be teaching. When BLM and Antifa took hostage an American city, killed innocent people and destroyed homes and businesses, this person said nothing. But suddenly they have an opinion on the Republicans right to defend their opinion. Remember… I said there were times I wished I was in Washington, DC. And I’m under no circumstances a violent person. Well, let me say under few circumstances. Push the right buttons and … But the arrogance of the liberal anti-American to the core Democrat body is more than my heart can stand. It physically ached yesterday for my Nation and for my God knowing the wickedness that we have allowed to now be in control. They are clueless. 

Okay…. now that I’ve spoken from the flesh, let me speak from the Spirit. Normally on Wednesday night I’d be down stairs teaching teens. But last night I wanted to hear from my Pastor. I needed his calm, sound advice. Because I was hurting and I knew when I was hurting that I was controlled by emotion and I don’t always see God’s design and plan as I should. Shari is strong willed. Shari has a strong opinion. Shari loves America, a lot. So much so that sometimes I forget this is not the Promised Land I should be defending. 

Our scripture last was in John 6:

 [15] When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.

He could have been King of the earth that very day. He had just fed thousands with 2 fishes and 5 loaves of barley bread. The people wanted a leader like that. They wanted someone who could provide the money… the bread. And there He was before them, and they were ready to put a crown on His head and follow Him wherever He lead.  Wait a minute? If thousands were just fed and ready to crown Him, where were they when the crown of thorns was pressed down around His brow and He was beaten until His body was unrecognizable? They were no where to be found.

Donald Trump is not my Savior. He’s my President for a few more days and I will relish in every second of it because what’s coming in is a disgrace. But yesterday, in my broken hearted state I temporarily lost site of my purpose on earth. I’m the Jesus Chick. Jesus is my Master and the church is my refuge. Not the Capitol. My Pastor’s sermon reminded me of that last night. It also reminded me of where my attention should be. On the local body…. that’s the one I have the most influence over. Nobody in Washington gives a rat’s butt about Shari Johnson. But locally, they know me. They know where I stand and I stand for them. I stand for Victory Baptist Church, because it is there that I was called to serve.

It’s the one commonality I’ve noticed about most of the liberals who voice their opinion against Donald Trump. They have very little to say about Jesus Christ. They don’t share the gospel… it might offend. They are one step away from that idiot, disgraceful representation of a holy man who said “A-woman” in an opening prayer to the Senate. If he was around in the days that Jesus walked the earth, he probably would have been selling the doves in the temple when Jesus turned over the table and threw them out.  Yes, my God got angry, called people out and even got violent because there’s a time for it.  That time is when people are mocking God. (Mark 11:15). 

So where does that put my frame of mind today? Where does it put yours?

For me, today (at least this hour) I’m focused on Christ and His purpose for this girl. The Jesus Chick. My purpose in the ministry has always been to be an encourager for people to continue on in the faith and truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. To teach it to the best of my ability through the platforms that God allows. In 2021 I want to be here for my people. And my people are God’s people. I want to love on you, encourage you and strengthen you with His words and His ways. I want to be a resource of Christ. Use me Lord Jesus. Amen. Just Amen…. So be it. 

Message me, call me or find me on social media. Let me know your prayers and anxieties. Please share this post and most of all, share Jesus! The world needs to meet Him.

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

Take the High Road

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on Take the High Road

I don’t know why anyone thought that 2021 was going to change the perspective of the world we’re living in. The world is still full of stupid people. Nothing has changed in that perspective. That’s what I told myself as I began wondering where the next set of struggles are taking America. I’m glad BlazeMedia is off vacation and back to work because I was going through withdrawals on world events. I don’t trust anyone else, but my mind no doubt needed the break from the preponderance of bad news. It has a tendency to tear me down. But BlazeMedia taking a vacation didn’t stop the world from turning, nor did it stop discouragement from coming into my life. 

Oh boy! Do I sound like a Debbie Downer or what!? I promise the news gets better. But I’m just sharing the state of my mind over the past week. I’ve been frustrated and depression is kicking in. That combination has a tendency to kick my fibromyalgia into overdrive with pain and I ask the Lord, “Lord… what would have me do?” And I heard the word “walk,” in my soul. No big grandiose thought, no double rainbow like so many seen in our area on New Year’s Day, just the Lord speaking “walk” into my soul. Which brought me to Habakkuk 3.

Habakkuk 3:17-19 KJV

[17] Although the fig tree shall not blossom, neither shall fruit be in the vines; the labour of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no meat; the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls: [18] Yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will joy in the God of my salvation. [19] The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments.

I cant say it any better than John Gill did in his commentary on chapter 3. His depth of understanding of the scripture makes me envious of his obvious relationship with the Lord. You don’t get that depth of understanding without putting forth much time in prayer and conversation with God. Which is why most of us cannot boast about our own relationship with the Lord, because we know it’s not what it should be. 

That’s right… I just threw you under the bus with me. But maybe you’re better than I am. I just know that the hour or so that put into my study for theses blogs, isn’t enough in this chaotic, wicked world. 

So here’s what John Gill had to say…

The title of this chapter is a prayer of Habakkuk the prophet, composed after the manner of a psalm of David, and directed to the chief singer, Habakkuk 3:1. The occasion of it is expressed, Habakkuk 3:2 in which the prophet declares his concern for the work of the Lord, and the promotion of the kingdom and interest of Christ; and observes the various steps that were, or would be, taken for the advancement of it; for which he prays, and suggests that these would be after the manner of the Lord’s dealing with the people of Israel, and settling them in the land of Canaan, Habakkuk 3:3 and there being several things awful in this account, both with respect to the judgments of God on his enemies, and the conflicts and trials of his own people, it greatly affected the mind of the prophet, Habakkuk 3:16 and yet, in the view of the worst, he expresses his strong faith in the Lord, as to better times and things, that would most assuredly come, Habakkuk 3:17.

Woah, Glory! Isn’t that good stuff? 

Maybe it just happens to be where my mind is at. I’m so, so very concerned for the church collectively. Both the Spiritual and economic health of our country. I understand Habakkuk’s concern for the work of the Lord and the promotion of the Kingdom. Just exactly who is promoting the Kingdom? John Gill said it greatly affected the mind of the prophet. Well… I’m no prophetess, but it for certain has effected my mind. 

And if your mind’s not sharp… you don’t need to be walking in the high places, else you’ll fall and crack your head open!

Habakkuk said in verse 18 and 19,  that he was going to rejoice in the God Who saved Him because that’s where his strength was. And that the Lord would make his feet like the feet of a deer to walk in high places.  And then he made it into a song. A man after my own heart!

Take the High Road… that’s what I heard from the Lord. 

When this world gives you grief… take the high road and trust God’s providence over them.

When people let you down… take the high road and remember that God never has.

When nothing makes sense… take the high road and understand that God understands whether you do or not.

When other’s fail to serve… serve more, you’ll be better for it. 

When all else fails… sing and glorify the Lord. That makes everything seem better. Amen…. no, I’m not going to say Awoman like that idiot preacher in Washington. See what I mean about stupid people? 

Above all we need to stay in the word of God. Be blessed! And take the High Road!!!

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

Are We a Peculiar Treasure?

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on Are We a Peculiar Treasure?

It always amazes me when the Lord leads me where I didn’t expect to go, or He shows me something I didn’t expect to find. Such was the case today. I’m continuing on in my journey with my word of the year, “treasure.” I’m following through the scriptures and my third treasure, literally! I found in Exodus 19, primarily verses 5 and 6, but I’ll give you 7 and 8 for context of today’s message. 

Exodus 19:5-8 KJV

[5] Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: [6] And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel. [7] And Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and laid before their faces all these words which the Lord commanded him. [8] And all the people answered together, and said, All that the Lord hath spoken we will do. And Moses returned the words of the people unto the Lord.

While it’s an awesome scripture and an awesome thought on it’s own, it bears significant meaning to me because may life verse is 1 Peter 2:9 KJV

[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:

My New Testament life verse, given originally to the Nation of Israel, and yet, I too am allowed to claim it because of the great mercy of Christ that engrafted me into the Kingdom of God. I’m sure I’ve read it, and yet I didn’t know it was there, and would not have known still if God had not laid the word “treasure” on my heart for 2021.

God’s People are Still Rebellious

Obedience has not always been my forte. As a matter of fact, I’m ashamed to say, it’s still not. I rebel in so many aspects of life. And yet, God chooses to use someone such as I. Praise God for grace! I’d have not last 2 seconds under the law, and it’s why I would not ever throw stones at Israel. While I’ve questioned why they turned their backs on God again and again having seen His miracles first hand, I know in my heart I’m no different. I too have seen His miracles and yet when He calls me out to do something for Him, or do something I know is right, I fail. Again and again just like Israel. I will choose the rebellious path knowing that there is a high price to pay later just to avoid reality for one more minute. 

God’s People are Still Peculiar

Or we should be. The back story on why 1 Peter 2:9 is my verse is because a preacher called me peculiar one day. I didn’t know what he meant, but I knew it was good, and so I looked up the word in the concordance and it so it became my word. I loved it! I knew God had a purpose for my weirdness. I don’t always (or ever) understand it, but I know He’ll be glorified in it if I allow myself to follow His heart and my desire.

The problem with human nature is, we want to go the way water is flowing. It’s hard to flow against the current, and yet that’s what God expects us to do. What’s right and acceptable in the world is far from right and acceptable in God’s eyes. But so many churches have adopted policies rather than the principles and peculiarities of God. Their mission statement are politically correct rather than biblically correct, and so are the lives of their people. The very fact that we have shut down 9/10 of the churches in American proves it. (That’s my number, not actual fact) I don’t know the percentage, I just know it’s too high. 

I know there’s real fear. And I can sympathize and empathize with it. But there’s got to be real faith too!

God’s People are Priests

I don’t begin to understand it all. But in reading the commentary of John Gill, my soul is stirred, so I’ll share it with you.

Priest, a character which one of the Jewish commentators says shall return to the Jews לעתיד לבא, “in time to come”; and well agrees with all the people of Christ, whether Jews or Gentiles, who are all of them kings, through their relation to Christ; and at the present time have a kingdom which cannot be moved, or taken away from them; being not only brought into the Gospel dispensation, the kingdom of the Messiah, and having a right to all the privileges and immunities of it, but have also the kingdom of grace set up within them, or grace, as a reigning principle, implanted in them; which lies not in anything external, but in righteousness and true holiness, in inward peace, and spiritual joy; and they have the power of kings over sin, Satan, and the world; and the riches of kings, being possessed of the riches of grace now, and entitled to the riches of glory in another world; they live like kings, they wear royal apparel, the robe of Christ’s righteousness; they sit at the king’s table, and feed on royal dainties; and are attended on as kings, angels being their life guards, and ministering spirits to them; and hereafter they shall reign with Christ on earth, and that for the space of a thousand years, and, after that, for ever: being raised up from a low estate, to inherit the crown of glory, to wear the crown of life and righteousness, and possess the kingdom prepared for them from the foundation of the world, of which they are now heirs: and they are “priests”, as well as kings; being made so by Christ, and through his priestly office; are anointed with the Holy Ghost, and sanctified by his grace, and allowed to draw near to God, and offer up by Christ their spiritual sacrifices of prayer and praise; and are enabled and assisted to offer up the sacrifice of a broken heart, and their bodies also, and even their lives when called to it; the allusion is to the kingdom and priesthood being formerly together, and which met in Christ, Zechariah 6:13 and in his people. The Jews were wont to call the priestly dignity and office כתר כהנה, “the crown of the priesthood”:

I am not so eloquent in speech as Mr. Gill, but I feel as he does, he just explains it better!

How exciting to look forward to a time when this world will not be in the dismal torment it is now. But peace shall reign. Christ shall be with us and we with Him and our jobs will assigned according to our work here below. Oh God, help me be a peculiar treasure every day…

Posted in Christian Service, Life Inspiration

My 2021 Word of the Year

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on My 2021 Word of the Year

It’s unusual that I’m ahead of the game. But here it is, New Years Eve and I’m declaring my word of 2021. My word for 2020 was “Wisdom.” Although I’ll not say I’m much wiser at the end of the year, I will say that I have obtained wisdom that I hope will lead me into 2021 understanding the value, or lack there of, of many things in this world. Which is why I believe the Lord lead me to my 2021 word of “treasure.” I thought it was an odd word, until i began to study it out in scripture. Which is where God is leading me as I embark on 2021. Let wisdom guide you into the treasure of 2021. 

Matthew 6:19-20,22-23 KJVS

[19] Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: [20] But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: [22] The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light. [23] But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!

While many things changed in 2020, and not for the better; one thing never changed and that was Heaven. Anything that anyone of us have laid up in Heaven is still there! Isn’t that exciting in this world of disposability where nothing is viewed as valuable, even life. But in Heaven it’s not that way, and everything that we’ve sent there: our good works and our people, they’re waiting on us! That makes me very happy, to know that God is taking care of my people and my work that I’ve done in His name and for His glory.

Ninety-eight times treasure is mentioned in scripture (KJV).  The first of which is in the story of Joseph in Genesis 43:23 when Joseph restores his brothers treasures back to their sack causing them to think they’re in big trouble! When actually Joseph is just messing with their head. The treasure was all apart of Joseph’s plan to bring them back in humility for more provisions out of Egypt. Humility is indeed a treasure. It causes us to recognize how very unworthy we are when we sit before the King. 

That’s a good place for me to begin 2021, in a place of humbleness and willingness to set things right with God. The only way of which I can do that is claim the price His Son paid as enough. There is nothing that I can do to pay my entrance into eternity or pay the price for the peace I’ve received here on earth. But I can go to God and acknowledge that I am grateful for His provisions for me on earth. 

A few chapters later Joseph confesses his identity to his brothers and they’re shocked to find out he is not only alive, he’s in a place of power because of their deceitful behavior and God used it for His glory. How wonderful to know that even the many, many, many mistakes I have made can be used for God’s glory. 

This morning as I begin to wonder what 2021 will hold, I don’t have to wonder Who holds it. And my word for the year is “Treasure.” For which I’ll begin by examining where my own treasures of the heart lie. Hmmm…. how about yours?