truth – Page 4 – The Jesus Chick

Posted in Christian Service, Leadership, Life Inspiration, Political

It’s not up for debate

Written by talk2shari Published August 8, 2015August 8, 2015 Discussion Leave a Comment

I did not watch the Republican debate a few days ago, and I cannot say that I’m sad about it. Republicans praised themselves for a job well done like high school jocks coming off the field after a winning game and the Democrats acted like school children poking fun of the new kid with weird clothes. And that was just the social media posts. The News crews didn’t act any better. Can you tell that I put little stock in American democracy? Will I vote? Of course I will, I’d be crazy not to; but the reality of it is we have a lot of crazy people in society who didn’t vote the last time else we’d not have the demonic forces in the White House that are there now. Hey… this is my blog, if you’re offended… get your own. It’s not my intent to offend, it’s my intent to stir your heart for the cause of Christ, not for the cause of a political party.

Life is not up for Debate

Romans 14:7-8 says “For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.”

Although you may eat well and live well the truth of the matter is you do not control the length of your life. You may shorten it by stupidity, but the how long you live is entirely God’s decision. How you live your life is yours. You are either living it for God, or you are living against Him. There is no in between. Being a democrat is no more wrong than eating pork… unless you are a democrat who doesn’t believe in Jesus Christ, or you do not care that your behavior offends Jesus Christ or His people. Being a republican is no more right than not eating pork. Those are earthly titles and works, what are they doing for Christ? And if your goal is to offend the democrat… you’ve not presented Christ in a very good light, because Christ is not in either party, but the agenda of Christ better be in both if Christians are going to stand up for it. You are either 4for Him, or against Him and you are for certain living out one or the other by your decisions.

Judgement is not up for debate

Romans 14:9-10

For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living. But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

Whether or not we agree on candidates we need to understand that Christ died for all, so that living or dead we can have a relationship with Him. Opinions are like hearts, everyone has one; and they beat rapid or slow depending upon what they’re passionate for or about. Every heart of a child of God should be passionate about God’s people who He died for. Whether or not you agree with them, shouldn’t change how you feel about their soul. But that’s not what I see happening. Christian Republicans and Democrats alike are touting that they have only the best in mind for God’s people… and yet the evidence is to the contrary because neither side treats the other as God would intend. Both sides are judging from a human viewpoint… not God’s. And even though I certainly see God greater in one party’s agenda than the other, I don’t see that party coming together in the cohesiveness of Christ who died for all. Rather they have separate agenda’s that God is partially in and they themselves govern the rest of the agenda. Christ died for all (the entire agenda). You either live for Him or not… Not in part, but in whole.

The Final Authority is not up for debate

Romans 14:11

For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.

God will not be mocked… that’s Bible. And you may not care that you offend me or anyone else. But if you have offended God you’ve got problems. He is the final authority on life. He decides if you live or die, and when (not if) you stand before Him one day there will be no arrogance about you. There will not be a political party in Heaven nor an agenda up for debate; it was settled on the cross. Does yours line up with it?

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Posted in Christian Service, Evangelism, Life Inspiration

The Skeptical Saint

Written by talk2shari Published August 7, 2015August 7, 2015 Discussion Leave a Comment

As a baby Christian I often stood in awe at some of the antics people played with the local church. Case in point: One evening following a potluck dinner the church members were making their way to the sanctuary from the social room. There were still a few folks clearing dishes and chatting about when a couple and their children came through the door. We greeted them with Baptist’s niceties and welcomed them in. Not long after that they began to share their story of hardship and how they were traveling through the area in need of food and gasoline to make it on to a very important destination. It’s been too long for me to remember all the details. But the details I do remember make me nauseous still today.

Victory Baptist Church is one of the most loving churches I’ve ever encountered. Immediately our guests were offered the food from our dinner, which was no small amount of some of the finest homemade foods you could lay eyes on. They were then told to fill their bellies full and when they were finished they could go to a local gas station where we would arrange for them to fill up their car on credit. They declined it all, they much preferred cash.

What?

Over my nearing twenty years of salvation I’ve seen similar events take place time and time again. It’s not long until you begin to get a skeptical heart towards people needing help. You want to help, but are they for real? I find the same truth in business. Not every “Christian” organization is on the up and up. For some they know that it’s a tender market and not always monitored by astute financial leaders of the church. Or perhaps they truly believe in what they’re doing and unknowingly sell a church on unnecessary products or services. So I’m skeptical of people in need, businesses and non-profits who tout success and blow their own horns.

It’s also why the Pocket Testament League has been such a blessing. I was recommended by a friend to apply for an ambassador’s position, which I did, and was accepted. I read the background of the ministry which in short was began in 1893 as the vision of a teenage girl named Helen Cadbury, daughter of the president of Cadbury Chocolates. She was so excited about sharing her faith that she organized a group of girls who sewed pockets onto their dresses to carry the small New Testaments her father had provided. The girls called their group “The Pocket Testament League.” Using small membership cards, they pledged to read a portion of the Bible every day, pray, and to share their faith as God provided opportunity. That same vision still drives the ministry today. (https://www.ptl.org/about/history.php)

So what does that have to do with my story of the skeptical saint? First… Who wouldn’t trust a fella that makes Cadbury eggs? Secondly, over my almost 20 years of salvation I’ve also learned to try the spirit.

1 John 4:1

Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world.

As children of God we are warned not to trust everyone, and God has instilled in us a discernment for such matters of the heart. The world would call it a “gut” feeling. Leave your gut to discern the taste of Cadbury chocolates, but when trying the spirit of a new person or organization, leave that one to God. If possible make no rash decisions, my best way of getting myself into a mess is to leap first and then start looking for a net; that’s my best described personality trait. But God said no, test the waters… there are people out there who want to take you for a ride.

The Pocket Testament League (PTL) has a Spirit of God. They’ve asked me for nothing. I’m provided the KJV Gospel of John Testaments, (other versions are available, I prefer only KJV) which also clearly outline salvation, to share with people one on one that I meet along the way or in larger quantities for speaking events. I do send them a donation each time I order because God laid it on my heart to that, and without request people have read or heard my story of the PTL and provided funds to help me out. No, that’s not a request, just a statement of truth that God is so good at not only speaking to our hearts when something is of Him, but providing for His children.

It’s a hurting world out there. People need to see generous, loving saints of God (even the crooks need Jesus). So try the spirit of those you meet, ask God if they’re for real and then love on them the best way you can regardless.

If you choose to take a part in The Pocket Testament League please provide them with my PTL Member ID# which is 574096 when offered the opportunity. Thanks and God Bless!

Posted in Christian Service, Life Inspiration

Don’t Miss Out on the Blessing!

Written by talk2shari Published July 8, 2015 Discussion Leave a Comment

If there is one thing (and there are many) that our new Pastor teaches as he preaches, it is that the Word of God in part or in whole is the Word of God and not to be taken out of context. The world today loves to take a piece of God’s Word and twist it to fit their fancy or should I say their agenda. The Word of God offends those who are not right with God, it does not offend those who are but it can hurt like a swift kick in the pants. I say that with confidence. I didn’t say it wouldn’t offend saved people, because there are saved people who are not right with God. I’m sure there have been times that I’ve been one. But I do strive to understand and rightly divide the Word of God. Believing that I will stand before God for every stroke on the keyboard done in His name.

This morning as I sought to see through God’s eyes via a challenge from a man journeying through cancer, I landed in the book of Luke to see what God’s eyes saw. And I was amazed that He saw me.

Luke 6:20-23 ~ And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are ye that hunger now: for ye shall be filled. Blessed are ye that weep now: for ye shall laugh. Blessed are ye, when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company, and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake. Rejoice ye in that day, and leap for joy: for, behold, your reward is great in heaven: for in the like manner did their fathers unto the prophets.

He lifted His eyes on His Disciples

Hey! That’s me. Although I wasn’t there in the multitude that had seen the many miracles He performed, I’m in the multitude who has been the miracle. One that God chose to use in spite of all my imperfections. When Christ lifted His eyes it didn’t say He looked at the crowd, it said His eyes were on His disciples, His fellow servants and friends. And then He ran down the list of why they were blessed.

If you’re poor you’re blessed… because you realize that it’s not a cliché to say that God is everything. Any material possession that we strive to own (and I do) is going to pale in such comparison to the riches that wait for us in glory. I have no idea what musical instruments await me in Heaven, but compared to the ones I long for down here… well… I doubt they’ll compare.

If you’re hungry you’re blessed… I’m always hungry so I must be extra blessed! But God speaks not of food, although He knows it’s tasty; but rather He speaks of the Word of God that so offends the world but fills the soul of the hungry child of God. It can’t be explained it must be experienced. When you read the Word of God it is every bit as satisfying as supper at the end of a long day.

Blessed are they that weep…for ye shall laugh! That’s the Heaven I’m talking about. I cry because I’m sad, happy, blessed and concerned. I wear my tear bag on one sleeve and use the other sleeve to wipe the snot. Oh… I know that’s ugly, but you have no idea how often I cry! So what a wonderful thought that God says I’m blessed because I’m a bawlbaby and that God’s got a thousand corny jokes waiting for us in Heaven. The Pastor will be so pleased!!!!

Blessed are the hated. I don’t think too many people hate me, but it is for certain that I create a level of discomfort with all my Jesus chatter. And Satan and his cronies hate me. But even if they hate me, it’s okay! Because God said when they part company with me… we can dance! Leap for joy He said, that sounds like dancing to me.

Well, I hope I rightly divided the Word. And I hope today finds you blessed for all the right reasons. Father. Son. Holy Ghost. Child of God.

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

Summer’s Short… so is life

Written by talk2shari Published July 2, 2015July 2, 2015 Discussion Leave a Comment

Summer Doldrums in the Church – Can I just talk about that a minute. I promise I won’t go too long… maybe 500 words…perhaps a few more but not much. Summer is such an exciting time! There’s family reunions, vacations, weekend outings and so much to captivate our attention. And then there’s church. That seems to be the way of the world. After all… Church will be there in September, right? Well… I hope so.

Mariners of ancient times feared the doldrums. If they were caught on the sea without wind for too long they could die of thirst or starvation. I don’t want to scare you but church folk are much the same. If they go too long without spiritual motivation they either dry up and blow away or when they start moving again they’re pretty lethargic and stiff. Usually by Christmas they have both oars in the water and they’re back in sync with spiritual life again. Why is it that folks think they need to take a vacation from God? Oh they’d never put it like that… they’d say it in a more culturally accepted phrase, like

“I work all week, I need the weekend to wind down…”

“Summer’s the only time our family can spend time together…”

Three thoughts about that and then I’ll be still

Peace be still…

Mark 4:39

And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.

Every storm in life we expect the Savior to come in and swoop us out of, or at least calm the waves, but we believe He understands our lack of commitment.

Let the Dead bury Their Dead

Luke 9:58-60

And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first to go and bury my father. Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.

Friends and family go out into eternity and we’re sad and broken hearted and we cry out to God wondering if they were saved… and we’re left wondering. They didn’t even make church a priority in September or December. And the times that you were with them, Christ never came into the conversation. It was summer… we had other commitments.

These kids!

Proverbs 22:6 – Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it.

School gets back in session in August and your child’s mouth gets back in session the day after. They’re attitude stinks, they have no respect for anyone and you begin crying out to the Lord to help your family. The public school is surely to blame. And God’s response goes unheard… ‘They never attended the school I established on Sunday… I really want to make a difference.”

Summers’s short… so is life.

Posted in Christian Service, Leadership, Life Inspiration, Political

Bandage & Balm Christianity

Written by talk2shari Published June 29, 2015June 29, 2015 Discussion Leave a Comment

With the recent Supreme Court Decision it’s hard not to think about the return of Jesus Christ and what that’s going to mean. I’m tired of being expected to sit silently while all around me liberals promote an anti-God agenda in the name of freedom. There are friends, who I love, that have given their stamp of approval on the “pride” cause because society has convinced them that it’s acceptable. They’ll never convince me that in their heart they do not know better because I know how they were raised. They were brought up in Christian homes where the truth was preached and “that decision” wasn’t up for debate. God said it was wrong… end of discussion.

I don’t put myself upon a pedestal like some sin free saint, I put myself level with all sinners saved by the grace of God. Sin is sin… homosexuality, lying, stealing, coveting, jealousy, etc. and yes “pride.” The very word they are so proud of, God said He hated.

Proverbs 8:13

The fear of the Lord is to hate evil: pride, and arrogancy, and the evil way, and the froward mouth, do I hate.

The very symbol that they use to promote their sinful agenda God used as a sign of the covenant that He would not wipe the human race off the face of the earth again.

Genesis 9:11-13

And I will establish my covenant with you, neither shall all flesh be cut off any more by the waters of a flood; neither shall there any more be a flood to destroy the earth. And God said, This is the token of the covenant which I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations: I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth.

That in itself is a prideful act of deliberate rebellion.

2 Chronicles 7:14 says ~ If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Yes… it’s the go to verse for anyone wanting to remind America that we need to get our Nation back in line with God. And while that’s truth as a whole; we’ll not stand before God as the United States of America, we’ll stand before God alone.

That verse is not a call to action for the unsaved rebellious world. That my friend is a call to action for us. We who proclaim Christianity. I don’t care what the Supreme Court says is okay, or what some backslidden preacher said was “now acceptable,” it only matters what lines up with the Word of God. And for that I will stand accountable. And so will the rest of the world. One on one. God and man before the throne on that day of Judgement.

Like I said, I am a sinner saved by grace. I make mistakes too so I’m not a stone caster. I’m a Jesus loving, Bandage and balm carrying Christian ready to patch up any sinner with the Word of God the same way I patch myself up daily. I have no issues with homosexual people… I have issues with Christians who lie to them and tell them their sin is okay.

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Posted in Church attendance, Life Inspiration, Uncategorized

Sunday Morning’s Sign

Written by talk2shari Published June 14, 2015June 14, 2015 Discussion Leave a Comment

Words… they’re a funny thing are they not? The same word can mean something entirely different, or a word that sounds exactly the same is not the same word at all – in spelling or definition. What’s more amazing than that is the way our brains wrap around those ideas and understands them. We’re amazing creations of God Himself, and yet that fact is so often forgotten by many.

This morning the word “yield” seems to have my mind’s eye as I prepare myself and my heart for today’s worship. My first thought on the word yield was that precious little triangular sign that gets so many people in trouble. After all, it’s not a stop sign… unless of course there’s another vehicle coming. But if that vehicle is a few lengths away you can technically be within your right to gun it and go, can you not? But if that vehicle happened to have a bubble atop you’d do more than yield… you’d likely stop! (If you had any sense). How much better should we be yielded to God and the Holy Spirit? We realize He’s there, we may even wave hello; but then pull out in front, heading on down the highway without regard to the very Creator. The Law Maker and giver of life.

I hope today you’ll slow down…

Romans 6:13

Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.

As a bluegrass girl I can’t help but think about the word instrument without attaching it to music! And music reminds me of worship and worship is for God alone! Woohoo let’s have church. That’s when the Attention Deficit Disorder works in my favor. It’s unfortunate that the same thing that draws my mind into God can draw others just as easily away. Same thing two different reactions, just like the word “yield” can be defined two different ways.

Yield – to give right of way

Yield – to produce (such as a harvest)

Failing to yield to God can certainly yield a harvest of fruit that you don’t want in your life. Failing to observe the day of rest as God designed will cause unrest in your life. Failing to understand why we worship will allow Satan to give you something else to worship which will lead you further away from God and further away from the peace He provides. Failing to yield, yields. See what I mean by words being funny!

Words are funny however disobedience is not. It breaks God’s heart. I hope you are yielded to His Holy Spirit today and today finds you worshiping with fellow believers in the House of God!

Love ya! Mean it. – Shari

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Posted in Leadership, Life Inspiration, Peace

There’s a Rumor Goin’ round… and the Lord started it!

Written by talk2shari Published May 29, 2015May 29, 2015 Discussion Leave a Comment

Turn on the news, listen in on any number of conversations or watch the trending topics of the internet and it’s bound to be there…any number of headings meant to incite fear or at the least cause alarm; end time warnings, antichrist theories and terrorist threats. Our minds are pummeled with images of destruction and yet those of us in America are blessed to live on a soil of peace, at least for today. I’m dumfounded by either the ignorance of leadership or their willingness to hand over the keys of freedom to a liberal, ungodly lot who have no conscience of evil. That’s a pretty harsh statement, but I’d argue its truth and win. I’m not saying that everyone in Washington is on board… but if they’re not, where in the world are they?

For quite a while it’s been on my heart to blog on this incitation of fear that my own heart has fell to upon occasion, but the words didn’t come until today.

2 Timothy 1:7 says “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.” So how is that we can have a sound mind in this chaotic world? Only through the Word of God because it is the only true peace on earth.

In the book of Obadiah, in it’s one and only chapter we find the continuing saga of two brothers at odds; Jacob and Esau. A story that began in the book of Genesis and continues through to today, with Edom (the descendants of Esau) being viewed as an example of the antichrist and Jacob (Israel) the chosen nation of God. A little piece of ground that God chose as His own and is still desired to be the possession of anyone at odds with God. And at the root of it all – the pride of men.

Obadiah 1:1-4

The vision of Obadiah. Thus saith the Lord God concerning Edom; We have heard a rumour from the Lord, and an ambassador is sent among the heathen, Arise ye, and let us rise up against her in battle. Behold, I have made thee small among the heathen: thou art greatly despised. The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee, thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high; that saith in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground? Though thou exalt thyself as the eagle, and though thou set thy nest among the stars, thence will I bring thee down, saith the Lord.

One thing for certain is if God starts a rumor, it still truth. The antichrist, the “heathen’s ambassador” is for certain in our path. Much speculation has occurred on who it is or will be, but he has yet to be revealed. We are however primed and ready to accept the god of lies because we’re allowing ourselves to be engulfed in this fear that the world would have us fall to. The world is looking for a Savior, Who’s been there all along, yet they desire one with cape and crown that they can see. And Satan will provide it. He’ll provide it by two methods: Fear and Pride.

Fear will come to those who do not know the Word of God. And they outnumber those who do. Pride is the political hierarchy that believe that “they” are the solution.

God says of pride in Proverbs 6:16-17 – These six things doth the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto him: A proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood,

The pride of man says “I am in control,” but the wisdom of God says, “I know Who’s in control.”

It was pride that caused Lucifer to be kicked out of Heaven, caused Eve to want to be as smart as God, caused the tower of Babel to be built which got the nations scattered, caused Herod to kill all those innocent babies trying to exterminate Christ, and will cause the antichrist to demand to be worshipped in the end times. But it is the humility of the Christian faith, that acknowledges the power of almighty God and His sovereignty that will bring peace to the soul in this world of woe.

Obadiah 1:18 – And the house of Jacob shall be a fire, and the house of Joseph a flame, and the house of Esau for stubble, and they shall kindle in them, and devour them; and there shall not be any remaining of the house of Esau; for the Lord hath spoken it.

History has proven God’s word again and again and will continue to do so. Yes we live by faith, not sight. But we also have the historical facts as evidence.

When God said that there would not be any remaining of the house of Esau He meant it. The Edomite extinction began around 300 A.D. when a group of Arabs conquered their capital city Petra and continued through other tenemies until they were completely destroyed by the Romans around 70 A.D. And no one today can tell where an Edomite is located.

The spirit of fear that the world would desire Christians to have shouldn’t be there. If we read and understand the Word of God we can know, regardless of what appears to be going on in the world, God still has FULL CONTROL. And there will come a day that the pride and arrogance of those in the world who desire evil against the nation of Israel and the people of God will be as Esau. None remaining. Amen.

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Posted in Life Inspiration

The Invisible Jesus

Written by talk2shari Published May 21, 2015May 21, 2015 Discussion Leave a Comment

Someone becoming aware that I’m “The Jesus Chick” usually brings three typical reactions:

Joy from fellow believers (I love that!)
Rolled eyes from people who believe I’m a fanatic
Changed conversation from those who don’t want to talk about Jesus

I’m okay with all three because it doesn’t change who I am, and it certainly doesn’t change who Jesus is! It also doesn’t change the truth; which is what everyone says they want, and yet they really don’t. In John 8 we find the story of the woman caught in adultery, and the religious sect that wanted to stone her. But when Jesus challenged them with the truth “…and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her,” (vs. 7) We find the world walking out. They knew the truth… we all sin! We just don’t like to name it. I always wondered if what Jesus “wrote with His finger on the ground” was their sins. Jesus knew them too. Conviction is a powerful tool of the Lord. That’s why when people hear the truth their reaction is much the same as the typical reactions to me. They love it, ignore it or change the conversation!

What I found interesting in John 8 this morning were verses, like so many others, that I have previously just skimmed over.

John 8:58-59

Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by.

Convicted by Jesus’ words the religious sect picked up stones to kill Him. But it wasn’t His time. So Jesus hid Himself. Literally vanished from their sight. But an invisible Jesus didn’t change the truth, whether or not they wanted to hear it they were still held captive.

In verse 32 Jesus said, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” On the counter side of that, if you ignore the truth you’re willingly being held captive by a lie.

The Invisible Jesus. He’ll eventually stop revealing the truth to you, and salvation will be further and further away; just where you thought you wanted it. And Jesus will have “passed by.” The two saddest words ever.

Failing to acknowledge Jesus may make Him invisible, but it doesn’t mean He doesn’t exist. And what you’ve allowed to pass by is what you know you’re looking for and why I love being a Jesus Chick:

Peace (regardless of circumstance)
Love (when nobody’s around to love on you)
Healing (even of a broken heart)
Answers (to every question)
Solutions (to every problem)
Insight (to the mysteries of God)
Oh the list is endless…

Do you see Him? He’s precious… and so worthy of following.

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Posted in Church attendance, Eternity, Heaven, Life Inspiration, salvation

Breaking up is hard to do

Written by talk2shari Published April 12, 2015April 12, 2015 Discussion Leave a Comment

How quickly people fall away from the Lord and call it a “new direction” or perhaps they just don’t call it anything. They just ignore the fact that they are out of fellowship with God and pretend that they’re decisions will have no ramification in eternity. If I began to make a list of the friends and family who have fallen out on God I would soon run out of lines on a sheet of paper or perhaps I could write a book about each one and what a difference they made in my life at a crucial time in my spiritual growth, it would be easy to write because it would be truth and my days with them seem like yesterday and yet also another lifetime away. How exactly does one go from standing and testifying about what the Lord has done to walking out on God? And how does it not scare the pants off of them because at one point they knew what God had saved them from. They had a burden for the lost in their family, they cried out at the altar of grace for God to save their children and their family and then one day that just didn’t matter. It makes me nauseous and ever conscience that I could be there tomorrow.

Matthew 24:42-43

Watch therefore: for ye know not what hour your Lord doth come. But know this, that if the goodman of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched, and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.

There is a bluegrass song about Matthew 24 that I used to sing with friends and it was always a reminder of the need to be ready; a favorite sung at revivals and funerals. Revivals and Funerals – the opposite ends of the spectrum. One speaks of new life and the other of death, and yet if the death is that of a saint of God their eternal life just began. Both of those services draw us into the realization that changes could possibly need to be made. Nobody likes the separation that comes with death, but it serves to remind us that it comes to all lest Jesus returns before it and we need to make preparation; not only for us but for those we influence. It’s funny how Jesus is welcome at Weddings but not in the marriage, He’s given the glory for the blessing of a child but then those same children are not raised to know Him. His Name is spoken often in the message of a funeral but how often was His name spoken by the one who died? Someone’s family member is sick or injured and prayer requests abound but few or hollow praises are heard when the heartache is done and all is well.

Yes I’m going there this morning.

I’m frustrated and this is my only place to vent without going toe to toe with someone I love, or perhaps I should. Maybe it would knock some sense into them. Being the Jesus Chick doesn’t always get you a fan club, sometimes people would like to club you. They tolerate my saying grace over dinner just so it doesn’t lead into dinner conversations that lead into guilt. Oh, glory to God, now I’ve begun to meddle. I just need to get this off my chest and throw it out there in hopes that somebody will read it and determine to get themselves ready.

What spurred this thought this morning and broke my heart was the closing words in verse 43 “and would not have suffered his house to be broken up.”

So let me ask you… if Jesus comes back today will your house be broken? If the decision to claim Christ as Savior, Lord of your life has not been made by you or members of your family then your house will be broken. That’s where the rubber meets the road. Children don’t just magically get saved one day, seeds need to have been sown, life doesn’t always get better, sometimes it’s the worse that leaves you longing for the better of Heaven. This morning was not just a reality check for you, but for me. I need to do more, say more. Nobody will care if I talk about Jesus when we’re all in Heaven, but they’ll certainly care in Hell if I didn’t.

Continue on weary soldier…

Posted in Christian Service, Evangelism, Grace, Life Inspiration

Incarcerated by Life?

Written by talk2shari Published April 6, 2015 Discussion Leave a Comment

My friend Chief Eisley was about to preach the Word of God at a State Dept. of Corrections facility after I had sang and listened to the DOC Choir. My heart was full and overflowing. I love these guys because they love Jesus. It’s not jailhouse religion it’s an honest to goodness meeting with the Holy Ghost in a “controlled environment.” With God in control! As Chief began to preach I realized that my Bible (which is on the same iPad my soundtracks are on, was on the platform. One of the inmates who had ran the sound for me realized I didn’t have my bible and motioned for me to use his that was on the pew beside me. I can’t tell you how blessed I was to see its well-worn cover and pages. Regardless of whether you are in Dept. of Corrections facility or a beautiful house in the suburbs the walls can be that of a prison. I’ve known wonderful people on the outside of a prison who were bound to the world and didn’t have near the freedom that the fellas last night did. It really can’t be told and do it justice, it has to be experienced to see the gladness in their hearts and on their faces. As we traveled back to our car one of the inmates carried my guitar and spoke candidly about his gratitude for being in that place. Because it was in that place that he had returned to Jesus where he found true freedom. That freedom is found in the Word of God!

Why is it that nobody cares to argue what Buddhist’s, Islam’s, and New Age religion are spouting off? Because their words do not cut like a sword. They have no power. But let someone speak the Word of God and you’ll have a multitude up in arms because Satan and his band of demonic menaces will make sure of it. The Word of God transforms lives! Prior to my salvation I would read the Word and it might as well have been Greek. I could understand the basics but the vast majority of it just seemed over my head. But then that Sunday came…. When I met Jesus and asked Him to come into my heart and fix my troubled soul. And all of sudden, what had formerly been Greek suddenly became the plainest English I could read and O Glory did it satisfy my thirsty soul!

Following the service inmate after inmate came up to me to shake my hand, talk to me about the music and encourage my soul. They handed me poems they had written and just thinking back on it causes me to weep. They’re like anybody’s sons, uncles, dads, and friends who are incarcerated. They’re paying for their crime but they are also Brothers in Christ. And they have a freedom that those who are not saved by the blood of Jesus do not have. The freedom in knowing “It is well with my soul!”

John 8:30-34

As he spake these words, many believed on him. Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. They answered him, We be Abraham’s seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin.