Tag: The Jesus Chick

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

After a Great Storm, there is a Great Calm

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on After a Great Storm, there is a Great Calm

I, like I’m sure many of you, feel that I’m either coming out of a storm or going into one. There’s always turmoil somewhere in my life. But in between those times of torment there is this stillness that occurs where God seems to say, “Breathe Shari.” This morning is to that day, but I’m believing there’s one in the near future. It caused me to look to the scripture in Matthew 8 where Jesus calms the sea. But I noticed something new this morning as I read His words, “There came a great calm, after the great storm.” This caused me to have a few questions…

Am I Committed Enough to the Journey?

One of Jesus’ disciples had a storm on land. He’d lost his father. Most of us have been in a position where we’ve lost a family member. It’s a storm of the soul. If they’re saved, you know they’re in a better place, but the loss of them from our lives still isn’t easy. Many go through depression and depending upon who it is and what role they played in our lives there can even be anxiety. But what about life? It still goes on and so does the work of the ministry.

Matthew 8:21-29,31-34 KJVS
And another of his disciples said unto him, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. [22] But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.

Jesus tells the disciple, leave it behind, we have work to do. Am I that committed that when someone in my life dies I can just say, “I meet you in the boat Lord!” Being committed isn’t easy but it is worth it. The disciple would have no doubt been in a state of grief, but immediately Jesus puts him back to work. I’m pretty sure the end result of that was a busy mind doesn’t have time to be depressed. Hello? I know I needed to hear that this morning what about you? Commitment may not be easy but it has its rewards!

Am I Complaining About the Journey?

[23] And when he was entered into a ship, his disciples followed him. [24] And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep. [25] And his disciples came to him, and awoke him, saying, Lord, save us: we perish.

I have been lately. I’ve been telling the Lord on multiple occasions that I’m not real happy with the way things are going in my life. I’m pretty sure I’ve even told Him that I was going down with the ship! I’ve discussed jumping over board. But didn’t because I truly hate the water. And if I did jump ship, and the Lord was in the boat, who would catch me in the water? Is that a tad too metaphoric? Well, let me just say that even the Jesus Chick gets tired, hurt and frustrated with the state of the church.

Am I Compelled by the Journey?

[26] And he saith unto them, Why are ye fearful, O ye of little faith? Then he arose, and rebuked the winds and the sea; and there was a great calm. [27] But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!

How many times has God previously calmed my storm. Great storms. Huge Storms! Does that compel me to go through this one with the expectation that it’s going to end the same? Jesus asked, not the people sitting on their hands in the pew, He asked His workers in the boat, the one’s who had been in the thick of it time and time again, where – is – your – faith? Before I tell Jesus I’m jumping ship, maybe I should sit in the boat and remember the other storms He’s brought me through. They may have been on land, but I still feel like I’m drowning. It’s the weakness of the flesh. But by reading God’s word today I am compelled to get back in the boat, shut my mouth and let God handle the storm.

Are You Comfortable in the Journey?

I had to ask you because I am certainly NOT comfortable in this journey. I am not content to sit and read my Bible when there are people struggling. It’s not enough to read the Word of God there has got to be some action behind it. Yes read it. Of course read it. But then act on it.

When Jesus got to the other side they weren’t met with coffee and cookies for a time of fellowship. They were met by two possessed men who needed help. And so He helped them. He helped the devil right out of the men and into the sea. That’s who belongs overboard, not me! Throw the devil out of this ship. And then His opposition came from the people, because He actually took action. I could stop there awhile, but I won’t. Let me just say that there is opposition in the boat and on land. And if you’re comfortable, it could be because you’re not throwing any devils out.

[28] And when he was come to the other side into the country of the Gergesenes, there met him two possessed with devils, coming out of the tombs, exceeding fierce, so that no man might pass by that way. [29] And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time? [31] So the devils besought him, saying, If thou cast us out, suffer us to go away into the herd of swine. [32] And he said unto them, Go. And when they were come out, they went into the herd of swine: and, behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea, and perished in the waters. [33] And they that kept them fled, and went their ways into the city, and told every thing, and what was befallen to the possessed of the devils. [34] And, behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus: and when they saw him, they besought him that he would depart out of their coasts.

Posted in Faith, Praise, worship

Does God Think I’m Weird?

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on Does God Think I’m Weird?

I find myself in a quandary tonight. Questioning who I am in the spirit to the Spirit. Does God think I’m weird? I know He created me to be who I am, but did I take the good senses He placed within me and stir them up with some bad mojo from the world? In reality I don’t think that’s the case, but I believe in searching for the truth until I’ve brushed off the dust and glitter known as Shari. The dust being the old Shari, with notions from my past. And the glitter, which is all things sparkly that can capture my attention. I like shiny stuff, I’ll just tell you. God knows I do. But on the matter of worship, I’m about to get out my broom and dust pan and do my very best to knock the dust and fake glitter off the truth. Because the truth on it’s own will shine.

I’ll start in in Philippians 3:1-5 KJV

There is Security in Rejoicing

Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe. 

Paul is speaking to the church of Philippi. He’s just discussed the fact that he was sending Epaphroditus, who had been sick, so that they could seem for themselves that the Lord had healed him. And in so doing he tells them to rejoice. It’s like David when he went to his brothers at the battlefield and asked them “Is there not a cause,” a reason to battle. The same is true in good times, is there not a cause, a reason to rejoice? Of course there is. We all have our reasons. Sometimes they’re in abundance, other times they are so few when a reason happens it’s that much sweeter but there is a reason to rejoice as a child of God. Paul it was not grievous for him to part company with Epaphroditus but it was for their safety (or for a security) for them. That they could see with their own eyes, God’s work and it would strengthen their souls.  

When I stepped back in at Victory Baptist Church less than 10 days after having open heart surgery, with the ability to sing and rejoice, it not only brought joy to me but to my friends at Victory. Joy to see what God had done in my life. Paul wasn’t without struggles. Good grief he was writing from prison. But even in that place he found joy in seeing God’s work continue in his absence. If Paul could rejoice in prison, can we not in our hardest days?

There is Separation from Religion

[2] Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.

A dog could have been referring to a man of impure thoughts. There were those who were attempting to cause division in the church because they refused to come out of religion and into a relationship with Christ. Insisting that the the Gentiles had need of being circumcised for salvation which was the Old Testament Law. Paul criticized the Judaizers because they looked at Christianity backward, thinking that what they did (circumcision) made them true believers rather than the acceptance of the gift of grace given by Christ. I’ve never experienced that depth of religion, but I have experienced religion. The act of participation in something as a means to salvation. The thought that if you just went to church, sang the songs, prayed the prayer and participated in the events, that was salvation. No relationship, but participation. Just like the Jews they were missing the whole point of Christ’s death on the cross. It wasn’t so we’d get a participation award. It was so we’d get a crown! And in the process have something to celebrate.  

2 Timothy 4:8 KJVS

Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

There is Self-Denial in a Relationship

What believers do to serve God is a result of faith, not a prerequisite to faith. Because of what Christ did for me I have a desire to serve Him. To set Shari aside and turn to Christ to say thank You. What can I do for You? Paul said in verse 3

[3] For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.

Praise God I don’t have to depend on myself for any part of salvation, because I know what a hot mess I am on any given day. And praise God that I don’t have to fit my praise style into a check list made by man because the place for which my praise comes from doesn’t come from me ether. It comes from the Spirit in me. 

When people see me, they look at me as a confident figure. What I am is so insecure I have to exhale any bravery that I can find from so deep within my spirit that it blasts out like a trumpet. The same is true when it comes to praising God. I’m not comfortable standing on a platform singing or speaking for the Lord. So when I do it comes across loud! When I speak even in a testimony it’s not spoken in confidence but rather it is the Spirit bubbling out of me uncontrolled. It is me denying myself silence. The flesh tells me to stay quiet. The Spirit tells me Praise Him Shari. 

I hate religion. It takes the sparkle out of a service. So as I write these words tonight. I feel a sparkle in my soul. It’s not the world’s glitter, but it is gold of the purest sense that will survive being tried by fire. It’s a raise your hand, sing glorrrraaaaay to the Lord kind of Worship.

The dust is gone. The sparkle is real.

Posted in Christmas, Purpose, Word of God, worship

Wisemen of the Word Trust the Source

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on Wisemen of the Word Trust the Source

Twice this weekend I heard sermons on the Wise Men who visited the young Savior. Twice my heart was stirred to hear the old, old story. I grew up with so many traditional theories of the Wise Men. I grew up seeing the typical, Caucasian, Black and Asian version of the three wise guys and their treasures standing before a typically very pale skinned baby Jesus, often with light hair and eyes. Funny how we envision things so far from truth.

It is said that the Wise Men were probably from an area which is now in either Iraq, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, or an area in what’s now southern Turkey, northern Syria. Although they are often called the ‘Three Kings’, the Bible does not say how many there were, nor that they were kings. One Bible Scholar said there could have been hundreds. But three is the accepted number because there were three gifts. And possibly because three porcelain wise men figures are easier to sell than 200. That’s just a Jesus Chick theory.

With a mind that is focused on worship this week as we go into the days of celebration of the Lord’s birth, I find it interesting that these “wise men” worshipped. That was their purpose. It wasn’t to get selfies taken with the latest trending figures or to study the logistics of a star used as the first GPS. But it was to acknowledge the greatness of this tiny little boy (likely of the age of almost two years).

The Trusted Source

Matthew 2:1-12 – Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the East to Jerusalem, ² saying, “Where is He that is born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”

As an infant they knew He was the Ruler of God’s people. They were not in His presence when they discovered that bit of news. But through their studies of the word of God, their astrology wisdom and studies, and the current event in the sky they knew it was God! They trusted their Source. Can I tell you that much like the wise men, this not so wise girl can figure out the same thing. I make no professions of being a deep bible scholar, but I am a lover of the Word, and God has spoken to me through His word too many times to count. How is it that people struggle to believe in a book that has withstood attempted destruction, not only decades or centuries, but thousands of years. The same evil spirit that attempted to kill the Baby Jesus, is the same one that longs to annihilate His Word. By the way He is called the Word in John 1:14. Their is power in the Word is Because He is the Word. Glory to God that makes my heart happy to know that I have the very Word of God in my hand and in my heart.

The Timely Star

³ When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. ⁴ And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. ⁵ And they said unto him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for thus it is written by the prophet: ⁶ ‘And thou, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, art not the least among the princes of Judah; for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule My people Israel.’” ⁷ Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the star appeared. ⁸ And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search diligently for the young child, and when ye have found him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship him also.”

And whole other study right now would be the fact that Herod and “all” of Jerusalem were troubled. Can I tell you today that the world is still troubled. Nobody wants anyone to rule over them. They want to rule their own lives.

In the book of Numbers 24:17 a Messianic prophecy is spoken of Jesus “I shall see Him, but not now; I shall behold Him, but not nigh. There shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Scepter shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab and destroy all the children of Sheth.”

The prophesied became the proven! Satan hates when that happens. The wisemen were not wise in spiritual matters, they were scientist, worldly astrologers who based what they knew on evidence. They had no doubt seen other evidence in the Word of God that was proven. Even in the oldest book of the Bible, which is Job, astrology was spoken of. One of my favorite verses that I’ve spoke of often is Job 38:31 KJV which says “Canst thou bind the sweet influences of Pleiades, or loose the bands of Orion?” As I just said about the world not wanting control, this was God asking Job, just what kind of power do you have? Can you control the stars? I can. Earlier in that chapter God said to Job in Job 38:1-3 KJV “Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind, and said, [2] Who is this that darkeneth counsel by words without knowledge? [3] Gird up now thy loins like a man; for I will demand of thee, and answer thou me.” I don’t know why but that just cracks me up! Put on your big boy pants Job I’ve got a few questions for you about the stars. Those wisemen knew there was a star to be on the watch for. They knew what was there was fact. They had read of that star, and were waiting for it to appear because they trusted in the Word of God and in His timing. Just as real scientist do today. Not the ones who are on the world’s agenda to prove a point not a fact.

The Thought of Significance

Perhaps there was some significance to the star coming out of the east, I don’t think anything “just happens.”

  • The Garden of Eden was planted eastward
    • Genesis 2:8 KJV – ⁸ And the LORD God planted a garden eastward in Eden; and there he put the man whom he had formed.
    • The man God formed, He put him in the east. The same man that Christ came to redeem.
  • He placed the cherubims at the east of the garden to protect it.
    • Genesis 3:24 KJVS – So he drove out the man; and he placed at the east of the garden of Eden Cherubims, and a flaming sword which turned every way, to keep the way of the tree of life.
    • Man wasn’t getting back into the garden, and at the east entrance God made sure. God still controls who’s getting in.
  • The tabernacles entrance faced east
    • Numbers 3:38 KJVS – But those that encamp before the tabernacle toward the east, even before the tabernacle of the congregation eastward, shall be Moses, and Aaron and his sons, keeping the charge of the sanctuary for the charge of the children of Israel; and the stranger that cometh nigh shall be put to death.
    • Those who God had placed in charge of His tabernacle, His place of worship were placed at the entrance in the east. And who got in was pretty serious business. You’d be dead if you went in without His permission and for His purpose.
  • Ezekiel’s vision of the Glory of God came from the east
    • Ezekiel 43:1-5 KJVS – Afterward he brought me to the gate, even the gate that looketh toward the east: [2] And, behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east: and his voice was like a noise of many waters: and the earth shined with his glory. [3] And it was according to the appearance of the vision which I saw, even according to the vision that I saw when I came to destroy the city: and the visions were like the vision that I saw by the river Chebar; and I fell upon my face. [4] And the glory of the Lord came into the house by the way of the gate whose prospect is toward the east. [5] So the spirit took me up, and brought me into the inner court; and, behold, the glory of the Lord filled the house.

And then His star being in the East. The Glory of God’s own Son being found in the east… I just found that very interesting. And as I delved into Israel and the significance of the east I kept thinking about the “Eastern Gate” song that I sang at the nursing home on Monday, it just kept stirring me more!

The Gate that Was Shut

Ezekiel 44:1-3 KJVS
Then he brought me back the way of the gate of the outward sanctuary which looketh toward the east; and it was shut. [2] Then said the Lord unto me; This gate shall be shut, it shall not be opened, and no man shall enter in by it; because the Lord, the God of Israel, hath entered in by it, therefore it shall be shut. [3] It is for the prince; the prince, he shall sit in it to eat bread before the Lord ; he shall enter by the way of the porch of that gate, and shall go out by the way of the same.

As I read it and as I understand it — that eastern gate is shut. The gate that was shut on Israel because of their continued rejection and rebellion of God, and is waiting to be opened when the Lord has called the Gentile Church home. When the tribulation is over, and the earth has been destroyed, and New Jerusalem comes down like a bride adorned for her Husband (Revelation 21:2) Then on that day that Eastern Gate will be opened and Israel will once again be with their God beyond the Eastern gate!

I have no idea if what I say is correct. As I said… I usually know just enough to be dangerous.

The Worship of the Savior

Back to Matthew 2:9-12

⁹ When they had heard the king, they departed; and lo, the star which they saw in the East went before them until it came and stood over where the young Child was. ¹⁰ When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. ¹¹ And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto Him gifts: gold and frankincense and myrrh. ¹² And being warned by God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed into their own country another way.

When they found the Savior there was joy. Glorrrraaaaaayyyyyy! Me too! And they fell down and worshipped Him. Those men of worldly wisdom knew Who was the wisest of all. And they fell down and worshipped Him. We need to fall down and worship Him. We need to be on our knees praising Him for who He is and the power that He has. And then we need to head to ”our country”, that country of Heaven another way. It’s not the world’s way. Their not going in the eastern gate. Only God’s children who come to Him by acknowledging who He is will get Home.

I pray we all find time to worship Him… I threw me a pillow in the floor to buffet my old knees and I just took some time in the wee hours of Wednesday morning to tell God how much I loved Him. It wasn’t near enough. I cannot ever worship Him “enough.”

Merry Christmas from Shari, the Jesus Chick. Called by God to be a servant. So grateful…

Posted in joy

Where’s my Joy?

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on Where’s my Joy?

If you’ve noticed an absence of the Jesus Chick on Social Media, and the Jesus Chick site, I can’t say that there is an excuse good enough for what the Lord has done in my life. That would be impossible. But I can say that there has been a reason … although it will have to wait until he end of this post as I work my way through that reason before it is clear to even me.

So let’s you and I begin as I journey through my conversation with the Lord this Sunday morning.

Things have changed in my life over the past few years. A few heart attacks, open heart surgery and starting an online newspaper will do that. But more than anything, my spiritual journey has not been one I’m proud of. While much of my focus this year has been on worldly news, the good news of the Gospel took a back seat. That’s so wrong it makes me want to puke just to see the words in print. But God knows my heart, and I want you to know it too. Because I figure if I’m struggling…. You know… the Jesus Chick… maybe there’s others who are struggling too.

A friend recently mentioned to me that their “joy” was missing. My first thought was, “yep… that’s a piece my puzzle too. I’m overall a generally happy go lucky gal. But there’s a difference between happy and joyous. I’m happy with life. Husband, kids, grandkids, home, career… all good. Health? Well, I’m my own worst enemy. But when it comes to joy, that’s a much deeper level of happiness.

In Deuteronomy 28:1-6 God tell Israel – And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God to observe and to do all His commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth; ² and all these blessings shall come on thee and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God: ³ “Blessed shalt thou be in the city, and blessed shalt thou be in the field. ⁴ Blessed shall be the fruit of thy body, and the fruit of thy ground, and the fruit of thy herds, the increase of thy cattle, and the flocks of thy sheep. ⁵ Blessed shall be thy basket and thy stores. ⁶ Blessed shalt thou be when thou comest in, and blessed shalt thou be when thou goest out.

Obedience equals a good life. I love in verse seven when God tells them Deuteronomy 28:7 – The LORD shall cause thine enemies who rise up against thee to be smitten before thy face; they shall come out against thee one way, and flee before thee seven ways.

That’s my God!

But then in verse 14, God begins to a warning to His people, and not just a little warning, a list of curses a mile long; and in the midst of those curses He tells them the reason for the curses which is also the very first place we find the word “Joy” in scripture

Deuteronomy 28:47 KJ21
“Because thou served not the LORD thy God with joyfulness and with gladness of heart for the abundance of all things,

I have just one thing to say… Thank God for grace! When God spoke this to His children it was life under the law. And it was words that God spoke with good reason, because He knew of the future rebellion of His children. He also knew the power of the flesh to cause His people to fall. It still exists. That is why, as we scroll forward, God sent the ultimate joy maker, Jesus Christ. Who told us in Matthew 5:17 “Think not that I am come to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill.”

The law still exists; but those penalties, the many, many curses mentioned in Deuteronomy for our failure to obey are covered by the blood of Jesus Christ. Glory!

It is not coincidence that the first place joy is mentioned in the New Testament is in Matthew 2:10 – When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.

God takes no word in scripture lightly. When He told Israel that their curse came from their failure to serve God with joy, it was serious business. He’s still the same God. He still takes the service of His children every bit as serious. So much so that He gave His Son to pay the ultimate price that our joy could be there come Hell or High Water. No matter what came against us, the powers of Hell, or the power of earth, our joy would still be there.

So where did my joy go?

I love the Lord! Jiminy Cricket I love Him! So where on this map of life did I lay my joy down and fail to pick it back up? I’ve shared with three friends my loss of joy. And only because I trust those three friends and felt the Lord’s guidance in discussing it with them. We have to have a place to vent our life’s frustrations. Believe me… That much I learned when they literally opened my chest and let all the crap out of my heart that I had kept in and failed to tell anyone.

I was raised differently, I was raised to put my burdens upon no one else. God created us to share the load, I still have trouble with that one.

But back to the question, Where did my joy go?

It’s laying on the church seat. That’s what I determined. I left it there when I began to apply spiritually what I was taught as a child. Don’t put your burdens on anyone else. And in so doing I began to carry all my spiritual struggles on my own, and left the joy on the seat beside me in church, because the burden took up too much room in my life. It was not only my lack of joy, but the lack of joy from others around me. You see… as a child I also picked up another trick, I would not share my burdens with you because it would make you sad. Apostle Paul said the same in 2 Corinthians 2:1-2 when he said “But I determined this within myself, that I would not come again to you in heaviness. For if I make you sorrowful, who is he then who maketh me glad, but the same who is made sorrowful by me?” But I would gladly take on your burdens. Even if you didn’t ask me too. It is why, when people accuse me of not caring about other people’s feelings when I print the news, it hurts so bad. They have no idea how many of those stories make my heart ache. But I long to tell the world the truth, both in the gospel and in modern life. We need it. It is the only way we can make good decisions. That is why I continued typing this… even though it hurt. The church has failed to heed God’s warning in Deuteronomy 28:47. We’re no longer serving joyfully… as a matter of fact few are serving at all and we have been given the abundance of things…

Ephesians 3:20 KJ21
Now unto Him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us,

Where is the power? Did I leave it on the seat too? No, it’s within me. Nobody can take anything way from me that the Lord has given. I can willingly give it up… which I have basically done. Or I can acknowledge the Lord’s warning, tell Him I’m sorry for failing to have joy in His service and pick it back up refusing to give into the notion that my joy and my voice is offensive to God.

This is still a journey. I’m still looking at that map. But his morning I have a better grasp on my joy. I’m going back to church to pick it up.

Posted in Christian Service, Life Inspiration, Purpose

Don’t mistake lions for kittens

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on Don’t mistake lions for kittens

In this day and age when there are power struggles in every organization and worst of all, even the church, it is good to know who you are in Christ Jesus. There is a confidence that comes from knowing where God has placed you in this world and what it is that He expects from you. Am I that confident? Not always. But I do have a confidence within me that can only come from Christ, because the person I grew up to be before I knew Him as Savior had no confidence in myself at all. I had so much fear living in me that I was miserable, often times hyperventilating to the point my husband David would take me to the hospital. That is no lie. But then Jesus saved my soul and there arose within me a strength I didn’t know I had. It was if God was saving it for such a time. I still have times of weakness, thus why I’m doing this bible study today. I needed to a reminder for myself to remember who I am.

Know Your Position

1 Peter 5:1-14 KJV
The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:

The Apostle Peter, speaking to the Jews, knew who he was. He knew he was an apostle, one of the chosen of Christ to be the first set aside to preach the Gospel, but he did not boast in that fact. He identified himself as an elder of the church. A servant of God just as God expects us all to be. That position isn’t taken as seriously as it should be by the church of today. Peter died for that position, today we won’t live for it. He witnessed the crucifixion of the Lord, died the same death (but upside down) all because he knew the glory we would be living in throughout eternity. He also witnessed the Lord’s resurrection and ascension. While we have not witnessed the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord in person, there’s now shortage of evidence living inside of us. It was that evidence, the Holy Spirit of God that told me I had a position in the church of God and how I knew God’s purpose.

Know Your Purpose

[2] Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; [3] Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. [4] And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

First and foremost our job as servants of the Most High God is to share the gospel of Christ. How many people do you see, who call themselves Christians, and are telling people about the Lord Jesus Christ? Not many. Hardly any. They consider it a chore. And I believe that the reason is they are not confident in who they are, studied to show themselves approved, therefore they’re not going to open up that conversation for fear of where it might go. Hey, I’m not throwing stones, I’ve been there! I can talk about a lot of stuff. But I know if I’m going to talk about Christ there may be some questions that are difficult to answer. Not necessarily biblical knowledge, but what if someone asks me about my own relationship with Christ. How often do I pray, read, attend services, what has God done in my life…. All these questions require time with God if a person expects to answer the questions with confidence.

Understanding your purpose means understanding who God sent you to minister to. Peter spoke to the Jews. But not as they had been spoken to in time past. Church leaders in his day were no different than many today in the world. There are those (mostly television evangelists) who are in it for the money. But regardless of where they are, God sees them and He’ll take care of them in due time.

Know Your Place

[5] Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble. [6] Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: [7] Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

As a young person I wanted to be somebody. I wanted to garner respect from not only my peers but people in greater positions. I didn’t want that so I could boast about it, I wanted it so that I would feel better about myself. I had always been so insecure (still am). But as I aged, as I became stronger in my knowledge of the gospel of Christ and in my ability to discern spiritual matters, people began coming to me for advice. Then I realized what great accountability that position had. The very thing I wanted scares me to death! Because I know in the scope of God’s universe I am no one outside of who I am in Christ. If He does not give me the wisdom I need for any given day and circumstance I’m going to fall flat on my face. My place is in humility on my knees asking God to help me be who He wants me to be.

Know Your Power

[8] Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: [9] Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. [10] But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. [11] To him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

Don’t mistaken the Devil for a kitten. and don’t forget that Christ is the Lion of Judah Who will open the book in that great day mentioned in Revelation 5:5. This world does not realize who Christ is for certain, but they also don’t realize the power that Satan has over this world. Before the fall Satan was a guardian and servant in the presence of Almighty God, he had a high office. One angel in 2 Kings 19:35 killed 185,000 people. Understanding that, should give you some insight on the power of Satan. He cannot do anything God doesn’t allow him to do. But he is the prince the his world and he can do plenty.

God gives His children the strength beyond what they have in the flesh for times of great battle. If you’re a child of God you’ve likely experienced it at some point. But we also know it didn’t come from the flesh. Our power is in the Lord Jesus Christ. Our own power against the principalities of the air would get blown out of the way like a grain of sand.

Revelation 5:5 KJV
And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.

That is why Peter reminds us to be humble. These people that stand up in the face of adversity with self pride scare me. I’m not going to wag my finger in Satan’s face and pretend that I’m not afraid. I’m going to stand like a little girl behind my Savior and say “Get him God.” Because I don’t have the power in myself. Satan is not the lion of Judah but he is “as a roaring lion.” He wants to be like God. He cannot. He wants to destroy God’s people. He cannot. He wants to scare God’s people… I think it’s a wise person who understands that.

Know Your Peace

[12] By Silvanus, a faithful brother unto you, as I suppose, I have written briefly, exhorting, and testifying that this is the true grace of God wherein ye stand. [13] The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, saluteth you; and so doth Marcus my son. [14] Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Knowing what it means to be “in” Christ Jesus is where we will find Peace. I’ve searched for peace in multitudes of places. In my family, children, job, home…. All kinds of places. But not until I placed myself in Christ did I find true peace. Understanding that, come what may, God has me covered. This world is evil, God is holy. This world will hurt me, God will heal me. This world is not my friend. Jesus will never leave me nor forsake me. Glory to God that is peace. When I lay my head down at night, knowing that He’s watching over my family allows me to sleep without worry. It’s not that I never have concern, because I do, I’m human. But the peace of God that passes understanding can only be found with the knowledge of His saving grace.

The word of God is such a mighty counselor. I needed this lesson tonight. I hope it helps someone else. If you don’t have that peace in knowing how to be saved, send me a message, I’d be glad to share it with you. If you need prayer, send me that too, I’d be happy to lift you up as so many people have me in my lifetime.

Posted in Christian Service, Eternity, Faith, Grace, Leadership, Life Inspiration

What to do when there’s No Leadership, No Law, and No Limit to Evil

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I detest being judged, and I struggle with the fear that I will place judgment on another. It’s not easy as a Christian to stay out of the flesh and represent the grace of God. There is a verse that is so abused by people who do not understand it, that it’s ridiculous. I know because I’ve abused it myself out of context.

Matthew 7:1 KJV
Judge not, that ye be not judged.

That’s a good verse right? But God does not mean that we are not to view the acts of man and determine if they’re right or wrong but rather let His holiness be the measure for which we judge, and the the judgement be His. We’re to respect the laws of the land and the authorities that we’ve been given, but all should align with the Word of God.

This is a thought heavy on my heart today because of a personal attack regarding a Ridgeview story. And so my only recourse of not getting in the flesh and giving these people of piece of my mind for which I cannot afford to lose is to turn to the word of God and ask Him to give me peace in my heart and satisfaction that I can leave it in His hands.

My search for answers lead me to the book of Judges. Irony? Doubtful. More than likely a dose of reality that I love.

NO LEADERSHIP

Judges 17:6 KJV says
In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did that which was right in his own eyes.

At the beginning of Chapter 18 it says again, “there was no king in Israel.” Again in 19:1 “It came to pass in those days there was no king in Israel.

Three times it mentions there was no leadership for the children of Israel. That’s a scary place to be because it said in 17:6 that every man did that which was right in his own eyes. There was no moral fortitude, their depravity just kept getting worse and worse. And as I struggled with the things going on in my community today, those verses hit home. It’s why I can’t be silent when I see injustice. It’s not that I am perfect. God forbid that I even suggest it. But there’s an accountability factor that’s currently missing in most of society because our leadership stinks!

So the story goes, in the Bible according to Shari, that the children of Israel had fallen out with each other because nobody was talking to God unless it was for their own gain. Now, if you read the story in the book of Judges, Chapters 17 through 19, it’s there. They’d fallen away from God to the point that they picked up a spare Priest from the house of Micah and with him they took Micah’s gods as well. I guess so they’d have all their bases covered. And they began to worship those gods. It says in Chapter 19 that a certain Levite had taken to him a wife, and she had played the whore, but he went to get her. And upon his return from fetching her, in the city of Gibeah, he found a home to stay in. But the Benjamites in that city came to the house and attempted to have their way with the Levite. But instead the men of the house sent out the woman. Who was then raped and murdered. The Levite was so upset that he cut her body into multiple pieces and sent the pieces to all the surrounding towns. He wanted them to know judgment was coming. The problem with that was, nobody had a relationship with the Judgement keeper. But they finally went to God and asked Him for His advice. God told them to go fight the battle for justice for the murder of the Levite’s wife. So the battle was on!

Round 1 – Israel lost 22,000 men. God said go again.

Round 2 – Israel lost 18,000 men. God said go again, but He added that they’d have the victory.

Round 3 – Israel laid out a plan and the battle was won.

From that story I gathered this advice for myself. Our county leadership stinks. If I’m going into battle, and sometimes I feel that’s exactly what I’m doing when I’m trying to use the Ridgeview News in a manner that will help our community stay informed; but if I’m going into battle, I better do it with an open dialogue with the Lord Jesus.

There may be more than one round, and I may suffer defeats. God didn’t promise me a rose garden. But it has got to be His battle, under His direction.

NO LAW

I’ve also got to remember that we are no longer under the law, such that they were in the days of the book of Judges. We’re under grace. If I want grace for this battle, I too need to extend grace. Israel did not have a king. I do.

King Jesus! And I don’t want to do what’s right in my eyes, that will for certain get me into trouble. When God took Israel’s battle over, Israel wasn’t the one calling the shots, but God used them to get justice. Will He not do the same if we seek His guidance over our own leaderless community? We cannot turn our eyes away from the fact that the current leadership has accepted sins as heinous as the loss of the Levite’s wife. They’ve mocked God, (see prior story of the Democratic Party.) People have died because of the dereliction of jobs, and while they did not die with malice, the fact that few cared cannot go unaddressed. And the fact that we as a nation have turned a blind eye to abortion, even up to the full term infant we will receive the Judgment of God. This county may not care what I think, but they’ll care when they face God almighty on the day of judgment.

This isn’t an easy conclusion for me to draw. I ruffled some feathers today that caused me to question my own motives. But I hear through the reading of God’s word that God’s people don’t win every battle, but they win the final one. And while that one woman, known only as the whore, didn’t seem like much to anyone, when God got involved, even the lowest mattered. God takes care of the underdog.

Mark 7:28 KJV
And she answered and said unto him, Yes, Lord: yet the dogs under the table eat of the children’s crumbs.

Posted in Life Inspiration, Life's Failures, Word of God, worship

When Life’s a Mess, break out the Mess Kit!

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There are days I draw nigh to God, and there are days when I run as far from Him as I can get for fear that His holiness will burn the hide off my unholy nature. I thank God for certain that I live in the dispensation of grace and not law, else my previous statement would be fact not a figment of my imagination. I thought today how I have people who look to me for wisdom, and I have others who I think, think that I am a fool, though they may not. But my insecurities rear their ugly heads from the darkest caves within my heart and make me feel as though I’m the worst of the worst. But then I realize I’m calling Apostle Paul a liar who wrote to Timothy:

This is a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners; of whom I am chief.

1 Timothy 1:15 KJVS

To put it mildly, I’m a hot mess most days.

Tonight I search for something that I really don’t even know what I’m looking for, I just need encouraged. I need God’s word to light me up, of course figuratively. I’m sure I need beaten. But I’d rather have a word from God that will draw my mind into a place of stillness. Where I hear, feel, and find direction.

I attempted to find my scripture in some Old Testament wisdom, but I ended up in the book of Acts, standing on Mars Hill with the Apostle Paul.

AN ENCOUNTER WITH GOD

Acts 17:22-27 KJVS
[22] Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars’ hill, and said, Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye are too superstitious. [23] For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you.

Paul knew the God for who the ignorant searched. And so do I… but I don’t feel very wise. Because though Paul and I both know the same God, I’m not at the same spiritual point in my life as Paul. He could stand before the people on Mars Hill with confidence, even at the beginning of his ministry because he lived and breathed the word of God. He did so after an encounter that left him visually impaired but was years later capable of seeing in to the third heaven. Would to God I could be so close to the Lord!

2 Corinthians 12:1-5 KJVS
[1] It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. [2] I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. [3] And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) [4] How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter. [5] Of such an one will I glory: yet of myself I will not glory, but in mine infirmities.

AN EXPERIENCE WITH GOD

Paul in Acts 17 had found an altar to THE UNKNOWN GOD. A god the people were worshiping, even though they didn’t know who it was. They had experienced nothing, yet were willing to bow down to it. But Paul was about to introduce them to “an experience.”

[24] God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; [25] Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; [26] And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;

God determined when Paul would be born to the earth, where he would be born and how God Himself would use Him. Paul had this experience but it was not without God’s planning. He could preach in confidence because God had placed him in such a position as to learn the Old Testament from the greatest of scholars, but then he placed him in a position where he would experience the Lord in such a way that he would be the writer of 13 of the New Testament books. That’s a glory to God moment right there and one to take not of.

Have you experienced Him? It’s one thing to know of God, but have you experienced Him in such a way that it left your life so impacted that nothing was ever the same? Paul didn’t look at anything without judging it through Christ. Paul had experienced the Lord in such a way that the earthly wisdom for which most people accept, wasn’t ever good enough for Paul. He wanted to see it from Gods perspective. Likely why God did take Him into the third Heaven.

Israel could not comprehend that God was approachable. They’d heard about Moses’ time with God. And how God could not be looked upon for His glory. How could they possibly understand that God was not only approachable, He lived within the very heart of man? The only way they could understand it was to experience it. That is why the wise are so stupid. They’re not willing to get to a point of humility so that they too can experience God.

I’ve experienced God. Oh. My. Stars. Have I ever!!! But yet I still struggle, why is that? Why do I get to the point where I’m searching for another experience rather than just living in the moment with God as Paul did. Confident that He is going to do a great work in me.

AN EXAMINATION BY GOD

I think it is because I stop feeling. Getting close to God requires some up close and personal time. When I said in the beginning that I ran from God because He will burn the hide off of my unholy nature. That’s true. When I begin to experience God, all that is in my life that shouldn’t be heats up. God runs it through the fire and it burns me.

But that is the very thing that drives me into a closer relationship with Him. I want that relationship. I’ve had it, I know when I’m not right with Him and I know what needs to happen.

[27] That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:

He is never far from me. He’s in me! But Paul said that if “haply the might feel after him, and find him.” Haply means by chance. It’s got to be a concerted effort. God is not going to bless overtop of rejection. Just as the people were searching for an UNKNOWN GOD, God had presented Himself to them, time and time again. He wasn’t going to make them accept Him. Nor once He’s saved us, is He going to make us “Experience” Him.

Tonight I needed a reminder of what it was like on my own Damascus road. When Christ came into my life and saved me from searching for peace, joy and happiness. All of which I found in Jesus Christ and experienced Heaven for the first time in my life. I have not always walked successful but Christ has never once failed to walk with me until I came out the other side of life’s circumstances. Yes, I’m a hot mess many days, but He gave me my very own mess kit for being a part of the army of God. It’s called the Bible. Praise Him! He alone is worthy.

Posted in Christian Service, Grace, Leadership, Life Inspiration

I Didn’t know we had Icebergs in Grantsville

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It’s been an enlightening few weeks as I try to navigate the waters of being a woman of God, a news publisher and just plain old ordinary Shari. Wife to David, Mother to Tif and Whit, and Noni to six. I didn’t know we had icebergs in Grantsville! But I’ve certainly hit a few.

I’ve had to ask myself on more than one occasion, “Are you being stubborn or staunch? Are you in the flesh or are you in the spirit? I am most assuredly human, God knows. But before I drowned in the frigid waters of the world I decided to stop the boat and just sit in the stillness for a while. By the way… I had to stop and restart the boat many times to find an area of stillness. These are busy waters.

What is the difference between stubborn and staunch?

1 Samuel 15:23 KJV
[23] For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because thou hast rejected the word of the Lord, he hath also rejected thee from being king.

That’s a pretty serious charge and the result was Saul losing his position as king over Israel. Good thing I’m not royalty! Oh wait… being a child of God makes us royalty in Heaven, and God’s not any happier with me when I’m stubborn, than He was Saul. When I speak of the metaphorical icebergs, I speak of the cold natured attitude of the world that can either be an obstruction in my path or an obstruction in my heart that doesn’t allow me to see things clearly.

I’m still not 100% certain about some decisions I’ve made. But I’m 100% sure I don’t want to be ruled by the world. What I need to do is take a closer look at the word Staunch. It is not however in the Bible, but a close word by definition is that of “Stedfast.”

1 Corinthians 15:51-58 KJV
[51] Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, [52] In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. [53] For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. [54] So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. [55] O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? [56] The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. [57] But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. [58] Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

The Apostle Paul is teaching the Corinthians and us in this text, about a mystery that they’re privileged to have revealed to them. The day will come when Christ will call His children home, those who have accepted His power of their redemption when He died on the cross to cover our sin. Those who have gone before us, and those who are alive when he returns will be changed in the twinkling of an eye to have a perfect body. But until then… Before the victory is won, we are still in the battle. And Paul tells the believer, “be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord.” There it is, the difference between stubborn and staunch. One has me in mind, the other has the Lord’s work in mind.

I don’t want any of my labor on this earth done in vain. There will certainly be hay and stubble that will burn up at the end of my life when I stand before the Lord, but will there be gold that when it’s tried by the fire and the dross is removed (the parts of Shari that were in it) will there be some good left over for me to present to the King of kings, “This I did for You?”

Those icebergs of people who stand before me and judge me on this earth won’t be there with the Lord. They may be in line too, I’m not saying they’re not saved, but they’ll have no right to look in on mine and Christ’s conversation. Nor do they today. There is a stubborn streak in me, I’ll not deny. I detest self righteous people to the point that I often take a stand against them just because they turn my stomach. If that’s the case, I’m as wrong as they are.

God help me to print the truth of Your word, and the truth of the world in a way that brings glory to You alone. This world is ran by Satan and his demonic forces. They have power. But none so great as the power of Holy Spirit that can guide me through these troubled waters.

Posted in Christian Service, Praise, Purpose, Uncategorized

How Not to Grow Weary as a People Pleaser

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I will confess that I am a people pleaser to a certain degree, in that I want everyone around me happy. So I go to great lengths to make people happy and in so doing, usually make myself nauseous. With that being said, I only go so far and then my nauseousness turns to frustration. And my frustration turns to aggravation and then I’m in the flesh and those people have gotten on my lastnerve. Then I’ll turn to the word, and I’ll attempt to make it fit my agenda like the rest of the world does, and then I grow sick of myself. So I put it down and let Satan beat me with a big stick for a few days and then go back to it again with more determination to seek out the will of God in the matter that started out with me trying to make someone happy.

DON’T LOSE SIGHT

Romans 15:1-13 KJV
[1] We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves. /

There it is in black and white and bold, “Don’t make this about you Shari.” My life should not be about making myself happy, but rather as verse 2 continues on by saying [2] Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification. [3] For even Christ pleased not himself; but, as it is written, The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.

So I am in the right to please others so long as that pleasing edifies (Instructs or improves) someone. That’s an interesting fact, and continued frustration when you feel that your wisdom isn’t counted worthy. Enter Shari’s lifelong insecurities of being less and Satan has just managed to shut me up again. An additional problem is I am always on display with people, or so I feel that I am. I’ve been so vocal about my faith in Christ and my belief in the purpose of my life that I feel that people are watching me continually to see how I handle life; and lately, it hasn’t been handled very well. I’ve retreated from the gospel because of a lost hope. Not in Christ, but in purpose.

DON’T LOSE HOPE

[4] For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.

There is an image I attempted to find where a woman was wrapped up in Christ’s arms but it was all done by word art. it always makes my heart happy when i see it because it depicts how I feel when I read the word of God. I feel as though He has come to earth and wrapped me up in His love. It’s a real feeling and not one contrived in my mind by an artist, but rather expressed by that artist.

A sure fire way of losing hope is to get out of the word of God. I know from much experience in the matter. I also know that the way to find hope is to get back in the word of God and read until God shines the light on what you need. He did just that in Romans this morning when I read that the Old and the New were written to give me hope. That every word has purpose, just like me.

DON’T LOSE GLORY

[5] Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: [6] That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.

There have been so many people in my past that have shown me how to praise and glorify God by their relationship with God. It’s another issue with my very faulty wiring in that I struggle with fitting someone else’s mold. Because I know I was never meant to fit their mold. That’s theirs. But if what I feel doesn’t align with what they feel and I make them uncomfortable, what do I do? I can tell you. Just as I retreated from the word of God, I retreat from the way God made me.

According to His word, we’re to be likeminded “toward another” according to Christ. That means I should be okay with how Christ designed them, and they should be okay with how Christ designed me so long as the two have foundation in scripture. One can be mild and one can be loud and both can be right.

DON’T LOSE FRIENDS

[7] Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God. [8] Now I say that Jesus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made unto the fathers: [9] And that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy; as it is written, For this cause I will confess to thee among the Gentiles, and sing unto thy name. [10] And again he saith, Rejoice, ye Gentiles, with his people.

The first of God’s people were the Jews. Who overtime grew into a very formal, religious group of people who followed the law and loved rule making. And then came the Gentiles, a world of rebels who didn’t fit the religious mold. They went against their grain by not holding a formal service, not washing their hands enough, not doing all the “things” the religious did. And if I were to guess at what happened in their services that was also different was their manner of praise. They had so much to be thankful for. The God of the universe had deemed them worthy to be a part of His family through the blood of Christ. The acceptance of the blood He shed for their salvation. Because of that their worship would have likely differed drastically from what the Jews were used to. But now the Jews and the Gentiles were worshipping together. Do you suppose some took issue with the loud mouthed coverts and caused division? I do. I’m pretty sure, I’d have been a loud mouth!

DON’T LOSE YOUR LAUD

[11] And again, Praise the Lord, all ye Gentiles; and laud him, all ye people. [12] And again, Esaias saith, There shall be a root of Jesse, and he that shall rise to reign over the Gentiles; in him shall the Gentiles trust. [13] Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

As I’ve stated… I’m loud. I have to reign myself in on a daily basis not to be center stage in any conversation or action. My personality is such that I believe God designed me to be heard, but He humbles me by putting people in my life who don’t want to hear me. It’s a truth I can’t fathom. I mean, who wouldn’t want to hear me, right? Kidding.

Romans 12:15-16 KJV
[15] Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. [16] Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.

So my take away from today’s discussion with God is, “It’s okay to be me.” So long as “me” represent’s Him. He told me I needed to “LAUD” Him. That means praise Him highly. That does not sound quiet to me. Just sayin’.

Posted in Life Inspiration, Purpose

Are You having a Profitable Day in the Lord?

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Ecclesiastes 3:1-15 KJV
[1] … To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: [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; [3] A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; [4] A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; [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; [6] A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; [7] A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; [8] A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.

That verse could describe any 24 hour news report. Every day people are celebrating life… and dealing with death. They’re sowing and reaping, their killing and healing, building and tearing down. Some of that is metaphorical and some of it is real, but all of it can cause anyone of us to be on the brink of a nervous breakdown if we don’t keep life in perspective.

Where’s the Profit

[9] What profit hath he that worketh in that wherein he laboureth?

I asked myself that both of of the financial efforts of my pursuits and the spiritual efforts of my pursuits. Is there profit in what I do for myself or others? Am I making a difference? The writer of Ecclesiastes is Solomon. The wisest man who every lived and yet his stupidity as a man defied the logic of anyone sane. What could be the gain (other than the obvious) of having 1,000 women in your life? Is one not sufficient? Sometimes one is too much – speaking as someone who is too much for my husband at times. But take women out of the equation and add your vice… Is ten cars too many? Is three jobs too much? Is 14 dresses too many to buy in one shopping trip? Are 10 pair of cowboy boots too many? Wait a minute… that’ can’t possibly be the case, I’m in Gatlinburg… and I’m planning on looking at the boot store.

The point of all that nonsense is the question, “can we buy, build or break the bank into real prosperity?” You know… the kind that brings happiness. The answer of course is no. So where’s the purpose in what we do every day?

There’s Profit in Problems

[10] I have seen the travail, which God hath given to the sons of men to be exercised in it.

I have a grandson who is striving to build body strength through weight lifting. He works hard to take his little boy framework into a manly size status. And it pays off. But there are days between his weight lifting and football practice that he comes to my house and collapses in exhaustion. You’d think that he’d be ready to quit, but it drives him all the more to wear himself out.

The same is true when it comes to striving for a the Kingdom of God. A week of revival, a busy week at home or work and then fitting Bible Study, Sunday School, Morning Worship, Sunday Evening, Wednesday Night and daily devotions into life will cause some to give up but it will drive others to making a greater commitment to making it happen. Because it profits the soul in a way that is priceless. I know that as this world get’s crazier and crazier, I can make sense of it all with the help of staying in a church that preaches the gospel of Christ as well as end time living.

Solomon made many mistakes, but when he was at his finest was when he was in tune with God and speaking to Him about every decision. I too speak to God about every decision… “God, should I eat this candy bar? No? Will You forgive me I do? Yes. Okay… let’s go with that.” What can I say, I’m no Solomon. The point is… we need an open dialogue with God so that when problems come, and they will, He helps us work through them, and strengthen our faith. We’re not getting out of this world without trouble. But we can survive it much better with the wisdom of God which comes from studying on our own, attending church bible study to learn to divide the word correctly, and receiving a sermon to encourage our souls.

There’s Profit in Precepts

Precept (A general rule intended to regulate behavior or thought)

[11] He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.

Understanding that there are some things you were never meant to understand, is key to living in subjection to God’s designs. I don’t have to know how God created the earth to enjoy it. Nor do I have to know why God created me with a mind that works the way it does. I’m creative and driven, often to the point of driving everyone around me crazy because when God formed me He placed within a desire to serve Him and know Him. When I work outside that realm my puzzle pieces do not fit. I would love, love, love to an organized emboldened person of wisdom. But instead I’m a cluttered, passionate person who struggles with the complexity of the world, but God has gifted me the ability to write and speak in a relatable manner with people of all levels of intelligence. the profit from that precept is that God keeps me humble which makes me a better vessel for service. It is not however always fun.

There’s Profit in the Promise

[12] I know that there is no good in them, but for a man to rejoice, and to do good in his life. [13] And also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labour, it is the gift of God. [14] I know that, whatsoever God doeth, it shall be for ever: nothing can be put to it, nor any thing taken from it: and God doeth it, that men should fear before him.

When understanding human nature, we could stop with the first part of verse 12. “I know that there is no good in them.” It’s true. When it comes to mankind, there is so much evil within each one of us that it’s hard to believe God’s grace will cover it up. But it does. And He goes on to say that in everything thing we do, it’s a gift of God. Everything? That’s everything that God’s apart of. He’s not a part of the a bank robber. But He may be a part of the Bank robber who gets saved and uses his testimony to draw others to Christ. But what about the every day ordinary people who just want to make it through the next ten minutes without cussing. How can that be considered a gift of God?

It makes us relatable. There’s way more people who cuss than rob banks. But God puts them all on a level playing field and tells them that He is capturing their lives and He promises to reward them for all they’ve done in His name. And He promises to forgive them for everything they did against His name. And when all our lives are over, it will still be written down in Heaven, for ever. It is there that there will be no more struggles in life. Just peace. The very thing we all search for is waiting for us, we just having to keep moving forward in this life.

So for today. Just go! Go forth doing your thing… but always keep in mind… is God glorified?