Tag: Solomon

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

When Controversy Rears it’s Ugly Head

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on When Controversy Rears it’s Ugly Head

I am one who does shy away from unnecessary confrontation, (unnecessary is a relative term dependent on my mood of course) but I am not one to shy away from controversy and differing opinions, especially when it is something that I feel convicted over.  My absence over the last week from the Jesus Chick site, FGGAM.org and social media has been because of a busy life of grand parenting, parenting, working, ministering and exhaustion. I’m back on today because I felt the need speak out on the current state of our country, state and county. All of which, I am a proud card carrying member. I love America. Not what she has become because of idiot, evil,  spineless politicians. I love the State of West Virginia, not the fact that we are giving away money that could be used for programs all across our state rather than paying people to take a vaccine. That’s beyond ridiculous. I love living in Calhoun County, no other place I’d rather be, however, it ain’t utopia. This is where God called me to minister. I minister to the young, old and in between because I am somewhere in between. I look for opportunities to help people and encourage people, but I am often met with more discouragement in return. Which is where I’ve been of late. 

This is is where controversy rears it’s ugly head. 

I adore my grandchildren. And they in kind adore me. There is no controversy there. I love the time that I get to spend with them, but I don’t want to have spend my time teaching them because they’ve been quarantined. I might not mind so much if it didn’t bring out the fact that the school system is once again failing my grandchildren and calling it their fault. As I helped one grandchild on Monday and Tuesday do a full days schoolwork in 20 minutes, I questioned why there wasn’t more. They didn’t know. But they were glad they were done. And why wouldn’t they have been? They’re children. Homework isn’t fun. This is America, this is West Virginia, This is Calhoun county. We’re raising a country of low expectations, and I’m calling the “educators” out. You are funded by my tax dollars. You consistently scream you are underpaid and under appreciated. I speak collectively of course. Don’t bring that topic up to me without an answer as to why my grandchild can do what you supposedly teach them in 6 hours in 20 minutes. 

Now that that controversial topic is laid on the table. Let’s talk about the vaccine. For which I’ve had. But I by no means think that it is my responsibility to tell anyone that they too should have it. Nobody in the medical field can guarantee the safety of the recipient. But I’ll just add this, many of the same people who are delegating that you have to put a vaccine in your body to keep them safe, are the same pro-abortion people that say they have the right to kill a child inside their body who is alive and has the potential to be a wonderful person. Don’t bring up that topic unless you can look me in the eye and say a child’s life isn’t important.  

Now for my favorite side of the aforementioned topics: What sayeth the Lord? And why did He make this my business as the Jesus Chick? 

When it comes to wisdom, God used Solomon to write the books of wisdom. Not because Solomon himself was wise, but because he was humble, God made him to be wise. I myself am humble… but God doesn’t trust me with great earthly wisdom, He knows I’d blow stuff up. And then I’d feel bad about it. Because that’s who I am. But not the world of today. No…. We kill people, those in Afghanistan and those in the womb without regret or apology. And through Solomon God addressed wisdom and stupidity. 

Don’t Get Mad too Fast, take it Slow

Ecclesiastes 7:9-23 KJVS

[9] Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools. [10] Say not thou, What is the cause that the former days were better than these? for thou dost not enquire wisely concerning this.

The subtitle is the Bible according to Shari. But it’s how I broke down verses nine and 10 to my understanding. There is no need to look back because every day is a new day and every day most of us are doing the best we can. Except the stupid people. Those for which were put into office by people with poor judgement. But regardless, we’ve got to move forward. Anger seldom creates anything but division. But wisdom spoken with the foundation of truth without an agenda could fix a multitude of sins from the past days. How we handled Afghanistan, the Vaccine, and the School System could be overcome by the words, “I made a mistake”  by some adults acting like children, and some adults who need imprisoned. 

Don’t Get too Big for Your Britches

 [11] Wisdom is good with an inheritance: and by it there is profit to them that see the sun. [12] For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is, that wisdom giveth life to them that have it. [13] Consider the work of God: for who can make that straight, which he hath made crooked? [14] In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him. 

There is nothing in this world that God can’t make, or make over. But because of mans arrogance and vanity God allows us to make our bed and lie in it. And sometimes, many of us have to lie in a bed made by somebody else. Life is full of struggles for me. Some that I created and some that others created. But God allows me to calm and center myself on the fact that He has the final say. And that the arrogance of this world will one day meet the King of Control. Glory!  

Don’t Assume God’s Children are Without Issues

[15] All things have I seen in the days of my vanity: there is a just man that perisheth in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man that prolongeth his life in his wickedness. [16] Be not righteous over much; neither make thyself over wise: why shouldest thou destroy thyself? [17] Be not over much wicked, neither be thou foolish: why shouldest thou die before thy time? [18] It is good that thou shouldest take hold of this; yea, also from this withdraw not thine hand: for he that feareth God shall come forth of them all. [19] Wisdom strengtheneth the wise more than ten mighty men which are in the city. [20] For there is not a just man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not. [21] Also take no heed unto all words that are spoken; lest thou hear thy servant curse thee: [22] For oftentimes also thine own heart knoweth that thou thyself likewise hast cursed others. [23] All this have I proved by wisdom: I said, I will be wise; but it was far from me.

Solomon didn’t give those warnings to waste his breath. Solomon was the wisest of the wise and he had 1000 women in his life. If the wisest of the wise was dumb enough to do that, surely we are far from above mistakes. I’m not going to throw rocks at Joe Biden. I won’t say I wouldn’t like to. I’m not going to throw rocks at the Governor of the State of West Virginia, I might hit Baby Dog. I’m not going to throw rocks at the Calhoun County Board of Education, although I could because they’re a mile from my house. But I am not going to be silent as stupidity reigns. God gave me a mouth and He gave me a platform. And He gave me the passion to take care of my people and defend the gifts I’ve been given. I pray you too will be vocal and defend the innocent that is under attack both far and near to our hearts. Hold leadership accountable. It’s biblical.

Posted in failure, Faith, Forgiveness, Grace, Life Inspiration

Seriously, How many times have I been here?

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on Seriously, How many times have I been here?

Solomon, the wisest man to ever live, made mistakes. So I guess I’m in good company. Not that I am remotely as wise as he, I’m more often than not like the subject he’s preaching to; but I found that to be an interesting thought none the less this morning. That even the wisest man to ever live had days of stupidity. Seriously, a thousand women in his life? What would every make him think that was a good idea? One is more than sufficient for any man to have to contend with. Speaking of course for my husband, but its truth.  

It is so easy for me to look back on my. 58 years, nearing 59, with deep regret and remorse for having lived much of my life at the fleshes will. When I read Proverbs 23 this morning, verse nine stung as it read: Speak not in the ears of a fool: for he will despise the wisdom of thy words. 

How many times I’ve despised wisdom. I’ve been down right resentful of people who gave me good solid advice, often times chocking it up to the notion that they felt themselves better than I. Always suffering from a lack of confidence or sometimes too much confidence in my own wisdom. That almost feels laughable this morning… but it’s not funny. Because it came with a price. There’s something about the book of Solomon that will cut to the very core of an individual. Oh yeah, that would be the Spirit of God. 

He’s handier than a pocket on a shirt and every bit as close. I’m glad God does not grow tired, or I would wear Him out.

Along this 58 year path I’ve seen landmarks from other believers and nonbelievers alike who have walked a pathway much like mine.

[10] Remove not the old landmark; and enter not into the fields of the fatherless: [11] For their redeemer is mighty; he shall plead their cause with thee. 

Some of their landmarks were more like skid marks  or a mound of dirt where they’d barely slid into home, narrowly escaping their own demise from poor decisions. Others had landmarks that were like pillars on the side of the road marking a successful mile. I’ve had several of both. And then there is the landmark where I’ve driven the stake deep into the ground to make sure it couldn’t be moved, like that of my faith in Jesus Christ. No matter how many times I’ve failed, or when I’ve had the rare success, my Lord and Savior has been there to give me what I stood in need of (a pat on the back or a swift kick in the seat of the pants), always and forever pleading my cause just like He does the fatherless.

Before salvation I had that as an excuse, no Spirit guiding me except the flesh. Now I am without excuse for failure, because I have the Holy Spirit with in me guiding me, I just often refuse to listen. But there is still God. Pleading my cause because I am redeemed by the blood of His Son.  

I’d like to say that I have gotten wiser as these years have progressed, but I really can’t. Not when it comes to certain areas of my life. I’m still creating mounds of dirt on the side of the road where the Lord is dragging me forward. But where I have lived without regret has been in the role of “the Jesus Chick.” I love taking His word and applying it to my life in a way that it covers the scuff marks on my knees and allows me to walk with my head up high saying… “Yep, God told me that.”

[12] Apply thine heart unto instruction, and thine ears to the words of knowledge. [16] Yea, my reins shall rejoice, when thy lips speak right things. [18] For surely there is an end; and thine expectation shall not be cut off.

What great joy it brought my soul this morning to understand that God understands. He was fully aware of my human errors before they were committed. It did not stop Him from loving me and from expecting better of me. God expects great things from me! Now, whether or not I deliver, I do not know. But I’m going to keep trying and so should you. I’ll look for landmarks today that other’s have set, and perhaps try to set a few of my own. I hope to see you along the path or perhaps hear how your journey is going. God bless! ~ Shari

Posted in Bible Journaling, doodles, Life Inspiration, Uncategorized, Word of God

This is my Friend

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on This is my Friend

As a Christian artist I’ve drawn my fair share of “images of Christ.” Clueless as to whether they bore any resemblance at all, and really not so much thinking there was even the possibility because I have not seen the Lord in person. While I have no regrets about the images I’ve drawn and painted, a sermon from my Pastor has had my mind a little pre-occupied with the notion that I really need to sort out how I will depict Him in the future. 

What really pricked my heart on the issue of His image was when the Pastor, who is such a wonderful Bible scholar, said during his sermon that many of the images of Christ resemble the images of Zeus, the Greek God. And so in true Shari form I had to google that theory. It only took one image for me to see it, and my stomach absolutely rolled over. I was nauseous at the thought that any of my art would ever depict the same. Well… knowledge is power right? So I went to a scripture reference made by the Pastor during that same sermon in the book of the Song of Solomon, chapter 5. A vivid description of Christ

Song of Songs 5:10-16 KJVS

[10] My beloved is white and ruddy, the chiefest among ten thousand. [11] His head is as the most fine gold, his locks are bushy, and black as a raven. [12] His eyes are as the eyes of doves by the rivers of waters, washed with milk, and fitly set. [13] His cheeks are as a bed of spices, as sweet flowers: his lips like lilies, dropping sweet smelling myrrh. [14] His hands are as gold rings set with the beryl: his belly is as bright ivory overlaid with sapphires. [15] His legs are as pillars of marble, set upon sockets of fine gold: his countenance is as Lebanon, excellent as the cedars. [16] His mouth is most sweet: yea, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem.

White and ruddy? Biblical terminology differs greatly from that of today. Most often it’s far more eloquent, but this… well for me it didn’t sound the least bit flattering. But in the day of it being composed, it was of great favor. White, as that of a lily and red as that of a rose speaks to both his divine and human nature according to commentary. The purity of white would make perfect sense, but does not speak to the color of His skin, but rather the divinity of God. The red perhaps reflects that He is a partaker of the same flesh and blood as His people.

While many, many, modern images of Christ have his hair as a light brown with highlights to be coveted that never struck me as correct, which verse 11 confirms with the description of his hair as “locks are bush, and black as a raven,” giving the impression of a corse jet black hair perhaps sparkling like gold in the sunlight as aforementioned, but certainly not blond! I googled images of Christ and not one image was that of a black haired Christ, but of the American preferred brown with streaks fo gold. Why is that I wonder?

Next in the physical description were the eyes. I love the thought of looking into the eyes of Christ, and even more so at this description of them saying “His eyes are as the eyes of doves by the rivers of waters, washed with milk, and fitly set.” While the color of doves eyes vary, those that I viewed were the richest brown, and the kindest…not fierce and furious but rather loving, concerned about His people.  Washed with milk I would imagine would have the clarity of the whites of His eyes. Not blood shot from lack of sleep or weariness, but rather crystal clear and sparkling as cool water. Oh how that though comforts my weary soul that too often bears bloodshot tired eyes. 

His eyes were also “fitly set.” I would say the anatomy of Christ is as perfect in proportion, without flaw, without ever the need for any of our earthly mechanics of appearance fixing. 

The narrative continues: His cheeks are as a bed of spices, as sweet flowers: the commentary of John Gill aptly says perhaps in His humility His cheeks are blushed with color, He who was equal with God, yet took upon Himself the form of a servant. For me that is the greatest missing component of the body of Christ. Servitude.

There is no doubt in my mind of the significance of the next illustration of “his lips like lilies, dropping sweet smelling myrrh.” Myrrh being one of the spices at his birth and at His death. The significance is so much deeper than my pea brain can imagine I’m sure. But I can imagine, because I have experienced the power of the words that come from the lips of Christ. His words are sweet, filled with grace and pardon, and they defend my soul against the demons of Hell who would desire that I live in the defeat of sin. Oh how true, and praise Him for His goodness throughout my life.

The body of Christ bears in it the scar that my sin have inflicted. It’s a thought I don’t like to ponder, knowing that every sin I’ve committed is cause for His pain and suffering on the cross, and my 24 hour a day, seven days a week need for grace and mercy. But this image is not one of the beaten Christ on the cross, but of the Victorious Christ who is coming again in glory! 

 [14] His hands are as gold rings set with the beryl: his belly is as bright ivory overlaid with sapphires. [15] His legs are as pillars of marble, set upon sockets of fine gold: his countenance is as Lebanon, excellent as the cedars. [16] His mouth is most sweet: yea, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem.

He is my friend… oh word. He is altogether lovely and there will be a day when those of us who know Him as Lord see Him face to face, and we’ll probably say something like… wow…. that is not what I thought You’d look like. But the world would have us attach an image that could be used now and in the future to mislead people into thinking someone is God who is not and that is the ultimate danger of images of Christ. So for now, I’ll share with you that image of the statue of Zeus. And then the image above that I doodle in ponderation of the day I will see my Lord… He who will be so much lovelier than my doodles. 


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zeus

Posted in Christian Service, Life Inspiration, Uncategorized

What Will be Your Act Today?

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on What Will be Your Act Today?

1 Kings 10:6-12 KJVS

[6] And she said to the king, It was a true report that I heard in mine own land of thy acts and of thy wisdom. [7] Howbeit I believed not the words, until I came, and mine eyes had seen it : and, behold, the half was not told me: thy wisdom and prosperity exceedeth the fame which I heard. [8] Happy are thy men, happy are these thy servants, which stand continually before thee, and that hear thy wisdom. [9] Blessed be the Lord thy God, which delighted in thee, to set thee on the throne of Israel: because the Lord loved Israel for ever, therefore made he thee king, to do judgment and justice. [10] And she gave the king an hundred and twenty talents of gold, and of spices very great store, and precious stones: there came no more such abundance of spices as these which the queen of Sheba gave to king Solomon. [11] And the navy also of Hiram, that brought gold from Ophir, brought in from Ophir great plenty of almug trees, and precious stones. [12] And the king made of the almug trees pillars for the house of the Lord, and for the king’s house, harps also and psalteries for singers: there came no such almug trees, nor were seen unto this day.

My 2020 word of the year has captured my thoughts. But I want to be careful not to get wrapped up in the search for wisdom and lose out on the acts of wisdom. Something obviously Solomon lived out; else why would the Queen of Sheba said what she did in verse 6  of 1 Kings 10? She was in absolute awe of what she witnessed of the “acts” of his wisdom. For me its the danger of Bible scholars. Not that I’ll ever consider myself one. But I’ve seen enough well educated Christians to last me a life time, who know the word, but don’t act on it. Or are far more interested in the depth of theology causing a shallowness and inability to care for the day to day needs of God’s people.

When studying the word I want to see the relevance to my everyday life. How can I apply, or act, upon what I’ve just read? That was my question after I read the aforementioned text. And so I kept reading to see what the act of the Queen was once she had discovered the awesomeness of Solomon. And what I discovered was, to the man who had everything, she gave more! Gold, spices, precious stones… things that would bring joy to his senses. Perhaps it was a spice that when he caught a whiff of he would think…. “ahhhh…. that’s from my friend the Queen.” I hope that I encourage folks in such a manner, many have encouraged me that way.  That when they see or hear something down the road it will remind them of me (not for my glory) but for remembrance of my acts for Christ.   

Another of the gifts of the Queen for Solomon was a boat load of almug trees for which the King used to construct the house of the Lord, and instruments for singers. Glory! Another reason of love King Solomon. He loved music. And so again he would likely hear the instruments play and as the music encouraged his spirit, or helped set the tone for the Worship of God, he might take the time to thank the Lord for the Queen and ask the Lord to bless her. 

Solomon acted… he just didn’t sit on his wisdom. What am I going to do with this wisdom today?

A man from Canada stopped by my table in the Hotel lobby this morning. As always a conversation ensued. He and his wife encouraged me at first just by their presence in the breakfast room. They enjoyed each other’s company. She went off to prepare for their journey on to Florida and he was interested in what got me up so early… “Yes! Thank you Lord for an opportunity to tell him why was I was up at the crack of dawn. We talked about our perspective churches and and pastors and then he went on his way.  Just a few minutes with Mr. Reesor. He left me with the gift of conversation. A small act, but one worthy of pondering today.

I hope someone encourages you today! Blessings! Shari

Posted in Christian Service, Christmas, Life Inspiration

Tis the Season of What?

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on Tis the Season of What?

CHICK SEASON

It’s hard for me to wrap my mind around the fact that there is only 15 days until Christmas. A day in the city yesterday left my heart a little broken as I ran to and fro from store to store, plopped the next package in the car, ticked my list, put the car in gear and went to the next destination. It was almost like washing your hair… lather, rinse, repeat. I vaguely remember hearing a few carols in the stores, and when I did catch an honest to goodness carol of Christ, my heart would pitter pat and I would say, “Ahhhh, there’s Christmas…” then back to the list.

“Tis the season of what?” I asked myself this morning. In the glow of the Christmas tree I long to slow down and ponder the season. I am not as wise as Solomon who impressed God with his request for wisdom. God shakes His head at me on a regular basis, I’m pretty sure. If God, the Creator of all, came to me and said “Shari, ask what you will and I’ll grant it.” I would likely respond “Oh Father God, a cute pair of boots would do me fine!” And God would shake His head, and say to Solomon, “This is why she’s not in charge of her life.”

My Attention Deficit Disorder kicked in and my mind just went to the boot store… true story.

The season of what, Lord?

Ecclesiastes 3

The Season of Purpose

1To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:

It’s impossible for me to understand the purpose of hurting people. My Wednesday night youth group is filled with children who are in the midst of a “purpose” that causes me to want to beat people. This season of their life is something I never experienced as a child, and so it is that they’re in my world and God has made it my purpose to help them find theirs… even in some very icky situations. Every Season has a purpose and sometimes I am that purpose…

The Season of Preparation

2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;

Even though we were prepared in the loss of my Mother-in-law this week, we still weren’t ready. We knew the day would come as it will to all of us, but the sudden realization that that person will no longer be with us, especially in such joyful times as Christmas is heartbreaking. But God did not allow death as a sorrow that could not be soothed for His children. A prepared heart, who has known Christ and gone to be with Him in Glory leaves behind a reminder that they are gone but just a little while, and that we need to prepare too, so that we’ll never suffer that separation again.

The Season of Pruning

3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;

God is clear that there are somethings that need not be in the lives of a child of God. Those things that tear us down, that loosen the foundations beneath our feet and cause us to fall need to go.  Pruning may kill a portion of a tree but the growth that occurs afterward leaves a healthier foundation. This may be a season of  pruning. I need to check my branches…

The Season of Propitiation

4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;

The purpose behind tears are not always clear. We cry when we laugh and when we mourn, when we’re   touched and when we’re angry. But they’re a soothing process in that it alerts others that something needs to be shared. Sorrow or celebration… friends help on both counts. Show yourself friendly…

The Season of Principles

5 A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;

If ever there is a time where Christian principles need to stand like stone pillars in society it’s now. Everyone waivers for every reason and give it no thought. The Word of God doesn’t waiver, nor should His people. Stand strong…

The Season of Privilege

6 A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;

We’re a blessed generation. We ignore scriptures that remind us that we’re to take care of the widows and orphans, we give to those we know, but to a stranger it will be conditional. Giving to the Salvation Army at the entrance of a store is relatively easy, stopping in traffic to hail down the man with the cardboard sign will have us asking “How far out of my way will it require me to go?” I throw so much food away at my house it’s ridiculous without ever asking, “Who could I share this meal with.” We’re too privileged… I’m too privileged…

The Season of Proclamation

7 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;

There’s a time to sow… and there’s a time to hold your seed packet and let God do a little work to prepare the ground before we open our mouth. I pray this season I’m mindful to say what  God would have me say and that I’d be aware when  to say nothing. God, guard my tongue…

The Season of Peace

8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

We’ll not see peace on earth until Jesus returns… that’s Bible. But we have Peace through Jesus Christ who gives it to all men liberally for the asking. We need to share that peace this Season…

What’s your season like? Mine’s a little more focused on God this morning thanks to Solomon’s Wisdom.

CLICK BELOW TO FOLLOW OR MESSAGE ME ON FACEBOOK

chick encourage 2

Error: Contact form not found.

Posted in Christian Service, Life Inspiration

But Now… Isn’t that Special

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on But Now… Isn’t that Special

chick under His wings

1 Kings 5:4

But now the Lord my God hath given me rest on every side, so that there is neither adversary nor evil occurrent.

It was his father David’s desire but Solomon’s task to get the temple in Jerusalem built, and build it he would in a splendor that my mind cannot imagine. There was many factors as to why Solomon was God’s man for the job but one factor was the factor of absence. The absence of the Devil. Not that he wasn’t in existence during Solomon’s reign and very evident through idol worship; but when it came to the temple Solomon said that there was “rest on every side, so that there is neither adversary nor evil occurrent.”

Wow! To live in such a day where I did not feel Satan’s presence around me, that would be splendiferous would it not? This morning I awoke with the aches and pains of the day, frustrations, concerns and disappointments weighing on my mind. A to do list that grows longer by the minute and my next “But Now” verse is my buddy Solomon bragging about how wonderful his life is. In the words of my favorite Christian comedian Chonda Pierece “Well isnt’ that special.” I cannot remember the last time I felt “rest on every side”, if there has ever even been a day like that. Today is certainly not one.

Solomon’s rest on every side did not mean he was without the adversary messing in his life. John Gil’s expository on this verse breaks it down like this:

1 Kings 5:4

But now the Lord my God hath given me rest on every side
From foreign enemies; for Solomon had no wars with any:

[so that there is] neither adversary;
or Satan, no internal enemy in his kingdom, as well as no external ones, Adonijah, Joab, and other ill-designing persons, being cut off:

nor evil occurrent;
nothing that rose up, and met him, to discourage or hinder the prosecution of the good work he had in view.

Reading this verse today in my state of mind caused me to cop an attitude with Jesus. Let me tell you… that’s not a good idea. But I was there this morning. “God, I’m glad it was workin’ out for Solomon, deed I am, but it’s not working out so well for me. I feel the adversary on every side and I feel the very presence of evil, so what am I supposed to do with Solomon’s wonderful “But now” moment?”

And God said read on…

I’ll be right back.

And so I read, and with tears in my eyes and a heart overflowing this was God’s response. In Chapter 6 God tells in great details of the work that He had done through Solomon building the temple. Again… far greater than my mind can imagine until I get to the room He created to house the ark of the covenant of the Lord. And then I got it…

Verse 19 reads “And the oracle he prepared in the house within, to set there the ark of the covenant of the Lord.”

And then above the ark in verse 27 He describes the cherubims:

“And he set the cherubims within the inner house: and they stretched forth the wings of the cherubims, so that the wing of the one touched the one wall, and the wing of the other cherub touched the other wall; and their wings touched one another in the midst of the house.”

The world outside the temple was not without the adversary Satan stirring, but the world within was pure and holy. And God reminded me this morning that He has a work to do in my life. And where He dwells, is not in a room built by any man, but by the blood of Jesus Christ Who now dwells within the throne room of my heart. I am under His wings! It is because of that that I too have rest on every side because He is there.  Now that is special!!!!

God told Solomon “Concerning this house which thou art in building, if thou wilt walk in my statutes, and execute my judgments, and keep all my commandments to walk in them; then will I perform my word with thee, which I spake unto David thy father:” And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will not forsake my people Israel. (I Kings 6:12-13)

Solomon finished the temple in 7 years and then began his own home. God’s temple is finished through our Salvation in Christ Jesus alone, but there’s still plenty of work to do at home and we’ll have rest on every side if we walk in His path.

Posted in Life Inspiration

Three Ways to Destroy a Relationship

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on Three Ways to Destroy a Relationship

words

Cranky Pants

Proverbs 15:1 ~ A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger.

I try really hard to be a little Susie Sunshine, realizing that my attitude has the power to turn the helm of a relation-ship from blue skies to stormy seas with just a few words; but I can on any given day be the Gloomy Gus especially if I’m under stress, overly tired or not feeling well. Short curt answers are a telltale sign that something is not right, something a wise man like Solomon likely figured out with his 700 wives and 300 concubines. One thousand women… what was he thinking?

There are days it’s best just to walk away or at the very least answer softly. It seems that we feel we have the greater right to speak harshly to those we love the most, and yet we’ll bite our tongues off to keep from offending the a co-worker or friend. Why is it that? Likely one reason (speaking from experience) is that we have those curt conversations at the end of very long days, or at the beginning of one where the night was too short.

Rest on my friend, and speak easy.

Critical People

Proverbs 15:2 ~ The tongue of the wise useth knowledge aright: but the mouth of fools poureth out foolishness.

We likely all have that person in our lives that always sees the glass half empty, it’s never good. Perhaps you’re married to them. I am married to the guy that sees the exact water level. It’s neither half empty nor half full, its 4.2 ounces. I don’t dare ask his opinion unless I really want it, because he gives it and it’s usually brutally honest. It’s a good thing he’s married to a little Susie Sunshine! But I have my days as well. A critical spirit begins when we start having conversations in our head that eventually work their way out of our mouths. We’ve somehow formed the idea that our opinion is expert, and sometimes we are. It’s always better to assume you’re not than to open your mouth and prove the point.

Crude Profanity

Proverbs 15:3-4 ~ The eyes of the Lord are in every place, beholding the evil and the good. A wholesome tongue is a tree of life: but perverseness therein is a breach in the spirit.

I know there’s no “Cussin’ Christian’s” out there, (she said sarcastically and a tad bitter) but just in case there are, Solomon had a few words to say about it.

If I weren’t such a failure in so many other respects in my own life I could get up on a soap box and preach about this one a while. I guess Solomon felt the same way when he said it was “breach of spirit.” It puts a crack in a Christian testimony as wide as a canyon. And there’s not enough Christian service or words that fix it in the eyes of a lost person. They’ll be hard pressed to ever believe there’s a difference between the God we serve and the gods of this world. If it’s said to a friend or family member it breaks their spirit as well. There’s something far more demeaning about “those” words than the average word. And a relationship is on shaky ground.

I don’t know why I parked in this spot today, other than to encourage you to choose your words wisely, get some rest, and love the people in your life like there’s no tomorrow. Because you don’t know if there is.

Posted in Uncategorized

A Heart Like That

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on A Heart Like That

God's own heartI Kings 3:12

Behold, I have done according to thy words: lo, I have given thee a wise and an understanding heart;

A Heart Like That…

That’s my desire. To be able to look at a situation and discern God’s desire. Too often (way too often!) I am self-centered and so Shari focused that I fail to see what it is around me that God could bless and use for His glory. Solomon was so humbled that God had used his family, that he was second generation to the throne, the son of the mighty David, and possibly, (and I really hadn’t caught this until now) a little insecure! Wow! Maybe Solomon and I have something in common after all.

Solomon had surely seen the wins and losses of his father. He knew that it wasn’t going to be easy to follow in the footsteps of a man so loved by his people and favored by the Lord. I have to wonder what an evening might have been like in the home of King David, where the conversations may have gone… I wonder if Solomon had watched or perhaps knelt beside his dad and listened as he prayed those prayers that caused God to say “he was a man after My own heart.” I wonder if he had watched his father embrace a selfish desire only to weep in earnest repentance later. His parents’ affair had caused him to have an older brother he would not know until Heaven, he’d seen and heard of God’s judgment first hand. No wonder as he prepared his heart to sit on the throne his desire was to be able discern right from wrong, he’d certainly seen his father’s struggle with it!

A heart like that… what would it look like on any given day? It’s not always easy. Sometimes it requires going against the status quo or stepping outside your comfort zone. Solomon’s first decision after this was to determine the truth between two harlot women on the matter of who’s child had died and who’s had lived. And how did he decide? The same way God does, he tested their hearts. He knew the true mother would never allow harm to come to her child.

Today, God may test your heart. Will you pass? When it comes to making a decision will you decide with godly wisdom or selfish desire? Owch… stepped on my own toe there. I have to wonder, and pray that I am a child after God’s own heart…