Tag: United States of America

Posted in Faith, Grace

My Thoughts and Hope for America

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on My Thoughts and Hope for America

It’s unbelievable that twenty years have passed since that horrible day that will forever live in the memories of Americans. As I heard again the words of then President Bush say that it was an “Islamic attack”, and now to scroll forward into the present age and hear the rhetoric of the far left and their insistence that America embrace the Taliban, I’m saddened and I’m sickened at the state of our national leadership. Washington DC has never had much of a spine, but their current intent is nothing less than sabotage of America past. The fact that America is not mentioned in scripture certainly leaves our future in question, and if we do not stand together as men and women against what our leadership is doing, it’s a done deal.

I’m not a dooms day reporter. I’m not even a very good realist. I tend to lean more to the “Little Susie Sunshine.” But I will always stand on the side of the Lord Jesus Christ, and that is not the side of our national leadership right now. 

My thoughts this morning as I pray for our country and us, is to praise God for grace. 

Romans 5:6 KJVS

[6] For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.

Christ died for Shari Hardway Johnson, but He also died for the every other person on this earth, even those that I’m having a very hard time having any compassion for right now. Today as I think about the heartbreak of all those who lost someone on 9/11, I ask God’s Spirit to create in me a heart of forgiveness for those who have launched any attack on our country and our God from within and without. I will not embrace their ideologies, nor will I condone or ignore the stupidity of people who justify what has happened in our country. If you voted for the current administration, and you continue to support them, it’s you that I’m praying God will help me to love. Because this morning I’m feeling very human. 

I cannot ignore the fact that I’m human and far from sinless. But to those who say all sins are viewed the same in God’s eyes, I don’t believe that.  Sin is sin. There are sins of omission, (unknowingly). There are sins of commission (knowingly). But there comes a point when God gives to the unrepentant heart that embraces this world and turns their back on Him, exactly what they want. But the result will not be what they thought.

Paul wrote a letter to the Romans that addressed the very issues we face today. 

Romans 1:21-32 KJVS

[21] Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. [22] Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, [23] And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. [24] Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonour their own bodies between themselves: [25] Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. [26] For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: [27] And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet. [28] And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; [29] Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, [30] Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, [31] Without understanding, covenantbreakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: [32] Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them.

My mind is in a solemn place this morning. But I have not lost my hope in Christ for the Nation of America. 

Posted in Bible Journaling, Christian Service, Evangelism, Faith, Life Inspiration, salvation

The World Needs a Hero

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on The World Needs a Hero

So yesterday I shared a post on Facebook from Dennis Prager, the  founder of Prager University, an online source for information “to promote what is true, what is excellent, and what is noble through digital media, we make exceptional video content that advances Judeo-Christian values. By reaching millions of people every day, they educate, influence and changes minds.” Or so their website says.  His “Fireside” chat about neither blood nor race mattering in the scope of love was great. And while I agree, and even responded about how much my friend Gloria, a non blood relative meant to me, I couldn’t get the thought out of my mind…

“Blood does matter.”

As I went to sleep last night, that thought was there. As I awoke this morning, that thought was there. Obviously the Lord wanted me to address it. 

I married David Johnson, August 16th, 1980. My first and only love. We will celebrate our 40th year of marriage this year. Unbelievable! As they say, it’s not a record, but it’s not the norm anymore. To look back and see how we survived each other is only by the grace of Almighty God. David is not my blood relative. (No matter what they say about West Virginians.) So when Mr. Prager said as a child he realized that love wasn’t about the blood, he was correct. And while his catchy title in this day of argumentativeness over race was effective on getting my attention, blood does indeed matter in the scope of eternity. Not mine. Nor David’s, but the blood of Jesus matters.

Contemporary churches of today have all but removed the blood from the church. They’ve taken it from hymnals, they no longer preach it, they no longer use it for the premise of salvation for it offends the world. Why is that? Why is blood so important in the matter of families, but offensive in the matter of faith? 

I will confess that the site of blood makes me queasy. I couldn’t watch the movie “The Passion of Christ.” It was far too graphic for me. I am however glad to have seen images from the movie, because it gives me an greater understanding of the price my Lord paid for my freedom and my eternal relationship with Him. Those images are seared into my mind, but I doubt they do the reality justice. Satan wanted to destroy Jesus. And he thought he had as Jesus hung on that cross suffering, as He was removed and placed in a tomb. As they sealed it up… Oh, I’m sure Satan did a little victory dance. But then the tomb was found empty! Woohoo and Glorrraaaayyy! It was a new day in Dodge! But it wasn’t the Calvary that had shown up to rescue the world, it was the same Jesus that hung on the cross as meek as lamb, but returned with the vengeance of a Lion. 

Without the blood of Christ, there would have been no hope of salvation for man. There’s not enough critters in the world to atone for the sins of this fallen society. But the world doesn’t want the blood. Not the blood of animals, not the blood of God. They want Heaven, they want some type of eternal peace, but not the humility of Christ’s sacrifice. If we genuinely see that in the context of the cross, we know, “I can do nothing to repay Christ for His suffering.” His blood mattered.

So how do we explain that to a fallen world who wants nothing to do with the blood or the Savior? How do we explain that it needs to matter to them too?

They must first see the effect of the blood in the lives of the children of God. The evidence of Christ’s love for us was written and testified of throughout the scriptures. The Spirit reveals the truth of it through His word, be it in preaching or reading. Christ set the example of how we are to live and conduct ourselves as children of God, and then closed that chapter with the ultimate sacrifice, that when it was witnessed, His followers were willing to do the same. They had seen the power of the blood. Have we? Has this world?

Some have. Some have witnessed God do miraculous things, I’ve witnessed it. But how quickly those times are forgotten when the world garners our attention with its evil. We forget about the power that is in the blood. The blood that Christ took back to Heaven (Hebrews 9:12)  

Neither by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood he entered in once into the holy place, having obtained eternal redemption for us.

There was no other blood pure enough to enter that holy place, other than the blood of God’s only begotten Son. That blood on that day, took the price and the burden of sins away from all mankind, whether or not they accept it or desire it. And that has to be seen as evidence in the life of a child of God. Even in the face of this adversity we are in, we have got to continue to live in the victory of Jesus, that He will bring us through this crisis. If the world sees Christians falling apart, then they will not see that His blood mattered. 

Satan continues to try to rid the church of the blood, to give a counterfeit version of all that God provides, but He cannot find anything that replaces the blood of Jesus. Which is why it’s so important for him to get it out of the church. And why it’s so important for us to fight for it to stay. 

When you think of the blood of Christ, how does it make you feel? As I thought about it this morning, I imagined me as the child of a the greatest Warrior and Hero of all time. He is ya know? How do you see Your Savior. Is He Your Savior? Have you accepted the price He paid for your peace and freedom on the cross of Calvary. If not, follow this 👉🏼link, or message me, and I’ll tell you how to to have the greatest day of your life!

Posted in Bible Journaling, Christian Service, Faith, Leadership

Twelve 2019 A.D. Truths from 1044 B.C.

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on Twelve 2019 A.D. Truths from 1044 B.C.

Every day I become more and more conscience of the scriptures playing out right before my eyes. It’s why I can “Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling.” To the world that makes no sense. How can you rejoice in fear? To me it makes perfect sense. I know what a mess I am, and for certain what a mess this world would be in if I were in control, or any of the other knot heads that think they are. Why would anyone want that!?

Psalm 2 has 12 verses; one for each month of the year. Twelve 2019 A.D. Truths from 1044 B.C.

1Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?

Have you ever seen a time when rage and vanity was as bad as it is now? You can’t turn on the news and not see it. Everyone’s angry because someone has an opinion that differs their own. And they’re not questioning whether their opinion is right, only that they’re entitled to it and nobody else is.

2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord, and against his anointed, saying,

Not only are they entitled to their theories of morality, they’re also entitled to their people and God’s design doesn’t enter the equation.

3 Let us break their bands asunder, and cast away their cords from us.

We are raising a generation of children who define the rules rather than obey them. They also have a mighty fine example of that in Washington D.C.

4 He that sitteth in the heavens shall laugh: the Lord shall have them in derision.

And God laughs. Only it’s not funny. The last thing anyone in this world really wants is to be mocked by God.  Because He alone holds our future in the balance, determining what direction we’re to go. America elected Donald Trump President, who has at least stood on the side of Israel, pro-life and conservative values. I didn’t say he was perfect. But he is our President. However, talk about derision!  Good grief. There’s a reason that word rhymes with division. We are a nation of disrespect for the very thing that has made us stand out among the world’s leaders. Freedom.

5 Then shall he speak unto them in his wrath, and vex them in his sore displeasure.

Do you think we’re a vexed nation? Vex defined is annoyed or aggravated. America is an angry Nation. Myself included. I have to check my attitude on a pretty regular basis because I want to hurt people. Believe me when I tell you that I’m not always thinking about the soul of an unbeliever. Sometimes I’m thinking about their neck and how I’d like to wring it for stupidity, pride and arrogance.

6 Yet have I set my king upon my holy hill of Zion.

But then I remember Who it is that is in control. And it’s then that I’m in awe that He hasn’t wrung my own neck. My Savior. He Who died as a meek Lamb, but will come again as a roaring Lion!

7 I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.

We tend to put God into the perspective of man.

The God of John 3:16, long before the world knew Him face to face, He was. His plan was laid out before Him, and He stepped into it without regard for Himself, but for the sake of His people. He did so for an example to His children of how to put others before themselves. And there was a time that America did. It’s what made us a melting pot. People would come to our country for opportunity and they were accepted and loved not because of where they were from, but because of where they wanted to come. America! They loved our Nation and wanted to become a part of the dream. Now many have become a nightmare.

We are children of God because He chose to allow us to be. Not because He had to, or that we were deserving of it.

8 Ask of me, and I shall give thee the heathen for thine inheritance, and the uttermost parts of the earth for thy possession.9 Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.

God has been highly tolerate of a rebellious generation. Our government preaches tolerance, yet they don’t understand the first thing about it. Getting your way isn’t tolerance. And God has been far more tolerant that anyone would have believed in 1950. Immorality has become the norm not because of tolerance but because of apathetic people who rather than stand up for the morals of a godly nation that was fought for, they chose to cower to people who wouldn’t defend them for love nor money. But God’s tolerance will most certain wane.

10 Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth. 11 Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling.

As I said before, serving God with fear is easy. Especially when the result of serving man is being lived out on the evening news. I love the fact that I know that I know the Creator of all the universe. That the God Who named the stars, has a new name waiting for me in Glory, There’s a new song that even the angels cannot sing. What a privilege to know Him and commune with Him with just the speaking of His name. There is no disconnect for the child of God and if the kings of this world were wise, they’d be calling on Him to give them instruction. And He will!

If our leaders would call a prayer meeting, good night Irene!!!! I cannot imagine how this nation would turn around. Because I know He has that power is why I rejoice and tremble in His presence. He’s amazing.

12 Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.

To “Kiss the Son,” is to choose Him above all else. It takes humility and faith. A very small price to pay for the gift of eternal life. For the gift of peace during this life!

Praise God He is in control 365 days and every second of every day! I’ll gladly serve Him and what an honor it is.

Posted in Bible Journaling, Christian Service, Leadership, Life Inspiration

Is there a fire in this generation?

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on Is there a fire in this generation?

brother-and-sisterI’ve been involved in the lives of six generations of people, and although that makes me feel a little more than aged it also brings me great joy when I reminisce on the days of Great Grandma Florence, Mommaw Vada, Aunts, Uncles and my own Mother and Father; and now watch as beneath my generation are two more. I am blessed. The generations have not been without heartache and woe but praise God each have been filled with strong Christian witnesses that I can look to for strength when I struggle in the these days of wickedness and woe. So when I read the following passage in Judges 2 it breaks my heart more than a little.

Judges 2:8-11

And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of the Lord, died, being an hundred and ten years old. And they buried him in the border of his inheritance in Timnathheres, in the mount of Ephraim, on the north side of the hill Gaash.  And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the Lord, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel. And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord, and served Baalim:

The new generation that God brought into the Promised Land, whom He had told “I will never break my covenant with you,” (Judges 2:1b), that generation waited one generation to break away from Him.

The same held true in America. Leaving their country for a land that would promise religious freedom, it took only a few generations for the decline of American spirituality. A great revival in 1857 in New York brought a new hope to the children of God and spread near and far, but not until a crash of the economy. It’s been about that long again, maybe a little more since America has felt the hand of God heavy in leadership and family. As I read the history of the great New York revival my heart longed for that leadership to be in place again today.

It started with one man hired as a missionary to the inner cities of New York. Jeremiah Lanphier, a 48 year old businessman, who was moved by the spiritual plight of the masses, began to visit homes, passing out literature, praying and encouraging others to do the same. A noon time prayer meeting of a few men turned into thousands and thousands across America. Not for preaching, but for praising and praying for the souls of friends and family.

Oh for that fire to ignite in America now…

It has to start somewhere. A recent happening in our county is a countywide Christian fellowship which stirs my heart with great joy. Because I can see the fringe of a mighty fire if we keep seeking Jesus as a unified body of Christ. Letting our churches be “our” churches but incorporating a time of fellowship between all churches to come together to praise God and pray for our friends and family. November 28th is the next event at the Brooksville Church.

If we lead believing… I believe there will be followers. And the body of Christ, the brothers and sisters in His name will grow. It gives me great hope, I hope it encourages you too!

Posted in Christian Service, Evangelism, Life Inspiration, Political

How to set America back on the Right Path

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on How to set America back on the Right Path

americas path

We’re coming down to the final days of the primary election, and although I’ve pretty much made my mind up on who I’m voting for, I’m not happy with any of the choices. I don’t like having to vote in a leader of our nation by choosing who is the least evil. But here we are!

The world would have us believe our nation is without hope, but as long as I serve Jesus Christ, being without hope is not an option. Because He is hope defined! And so to find His hope we must go to His book and follow history, which does seem doomed to repeat itself, but we can also use the historical facts to revise the plan that our idiot leaders have put in place. Not very godly calling our leaders idiots? Probably not, but I stand by it.

Here are my steps to setting our nation back on the right path:

Act like a Child

Hey, they’re pretty good at it already! But look at the child Josiah in 2 Chronicles 34 who began to reign as king at the ripe old age of eight! He had way more sense than our current administration.

2 Chronicles 34:1-2

Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem one and thirty years. And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord, and walked in the ways of David his father, and declined neither to the right hand, nor to the left.

He didn’t go to the right or the left. Wow, could we learn a lesson there? And that’s not a plug for any other political party, that’s for throwing the political party notions out completely. America could begin an incline if we just walked straight. If honesty was the rule, not the exception. If we turned our nation back to God and acknowledged that because of Him, and only Him, we are still here. Not to the right or to the left… just straight.

Even as a child Josiah knew that. Perhaps because he was yet to be jaded by the politics of the day.

Break Stuff

Another childish attribute that may be worthy of re-visiting. I don’t mean in the literal sense, although that would work, but what about breaking up collective groups of people who go against the foundation that America was established upon. You know… the foundation that made us a great nation.

In verses 3-4 Josiah, now at the age of 16, he began to seek after God and through God’s guidance he broke up those who worshipped other gods and destroyed their nation through idolatry and filth. “But it’s a free country,” they say, “We’ve got rights” they say. I’m okay with that. But I too have rights; and my rights tell me that you don’t have the right to corrupt my children and grandchildren, take away my ability to defend myself and speak the gospel where ever it is that I want to. And if you try to take that from me, it’s my right to break stuff. Like breaking up your organization who only wants freedom for self, not for others. A nation returned to God because a teen decided to break stuff. Whew! That’ll preach.

Verses 3-7

For in the eighth year of his reign, while he was yet young, he began to seek after the God of David his father: and in the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem from the high places, and the groves, and the carved images, and the molten images. And they brake down the altars of Baalim in his presence; and the images, that were on high above them, he cut down; and the groves, and the carved images, and the molten images, he brake in pieces, and made dust of them, and strowed it upon the graves of them that had sacrificed unto them. And he burnt the bones of the priests upon their altars, and cleansed Judah and Jerusalem. And so did he in the cities of Manasseh, and Ephraim, and Simeon, even unto Naphtali, with their mattocks round about. And when he had broken down the altars and the groves, and had beaten the graven images into powder, and cut down all the idols throughout all the land of Israel, he returned to Jerusalem.

Build Stuff

At the age of twenty six, when he had finished breaking stuff, Josiah began to build, and he began with building the spiritual side of his nation. America could do wonders for the economics of our nation if they’d start building back the churches. Josiah’s leaders put finances under accountability and put the worshippers back into place. They weren’t worried about who had the finest chariot in the community they were concerned with making the house of God back into its prominent position. Josiah knew that God had to be central in getting his nation back, so they began to rebuild the church. Oh my stars can I get an Amen. We have the buildings… but we need the accountability and worship, and we need to be building God’s church by filling His pews with people. Are you building? Are you inviting people to church?

Verses 8-14

Now in the eighteenth year of his reign, when he had purged the land, and the house, he sent Shaphan the son of Azaliah, and Maaseiah the governor of the city, and Joah the son of Joahaz the recorder, to repair the house of the Lord his God. And when they came to Hilkiah the high priest, they delivered the money that was brought into the house of God, which the Levites that kept the doors had gathered of the hand of Manasseh and Ephraim, and of all the remnant of Israel, and of all Judah and Benjamin; and they returned to Jerusalem. And they put it in the hand of the workmen that had the oversight of the house of the Lord, and they gave it to the workmen that wrought in the house of the Lord, to repair and amend the house: Even to the artificers and builders gave they it, to buy hewn stone, and timber for couplings, and to floor the houses which the kings of Judah had destroyed. And the men did the work faithfully: and the overseers of them were Jahath and Obadiah, the Levites, of the sons of Merari; and Zechariah and Meshullam, of the sons of the Kohathites, to set it forward; and other of the Levites, all that could skill of instruments of musick. Also they were over the bearers of burdens, and were overseers of all that wrought the work in any manner of service: and of the Levites there were scribes, and officers, and porters.  And when they brought out the money that was brought into the house of the Lord, Hilkiah the priest found a book of the law of the Lord given by Moses.

Have Story Time

Remember what it was like as a child, or when your children were small and how they loved to be read to? When Hilkiah “found the book,” the very Word of God that had been forgotten Josiah insisted that they be read to. And the entire nation heard the word of God! I almost cut this blog down by picking out parts and piece of this scripture to fit my points. But then I thought, that’s what’s wrong with America. We’ve stopped reading and listening to the Word of God and that’s who we got ourselves in this mess. So this is the entire chapter of 34, and it’s still just a very small portion of what God needs us to hear. Finish the chapter, and then determine in your heart to make a difference and hold on to Hope! Don’t forget that church day is in just a few days… get busy building!

Verse 15-33

And Hilkiah answered and said to Shaphan the scribe, I have found the book of the law in the house of the Lord. And Hilkiah delivered the book to Shaphan. And Shaphan carried the book to the king, and brought the king word back again, saying, All that was committed to thy servants, they do it. And they have gathered together the money that was found in the house of the Lord, and have delivered it into the hand of the overseers, and to the hand of the workmen. Then Shaphan the scribe told the king, saying, Hilkiah the priest hath given me a book. And Shaphan read it before the king. And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the law, that he rent his clothes. And the king commanded Hilkiah, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Abdon the son of Micah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah a servant of the king’s, saying, Go, enquire of the Lord for me, and for them that are left in Israel and in Judah, concerning the words of the book that is found: for great is the wrath of the Lord that is poured out upon us, because our fathers have not kept the word of the Lord, to do after all that is written in this book. And Hilkiah, and they that the king had appointed, went to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvath, the son of Hasrah, keeper of the wardrobe; (now she dwelt in Jerusalem in the college:) and they spake to her to that effect. And she answered them, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel, Tell ye the man that sent you to me, Thus saith the Lord, Behold, I will bring evil upon this place, and upon the inhabitants thereof, even all the curses that are written in the book which they have read before the king of Judah: Because they have forsaken me, and have burned incense unto other gods, that they might provoke me to anger with all the works of their hands; therefore my wrath shall be poured out upon this place, and shall not be quenched. And as for the king of Judah, who sent you to enquire of the Lord, so shall ye say unto him, Thus saith the Lord God of Israel concerning the words which thou hast heard; Because thine heart was tender, and thou didst humble thyself before God, when thou heardest his words against this place, and against the inhabitants thereof, and humbledst thyself before me, and didst rend thy clothes, and weep before me; I have even heard thee also, saith the Lord. Behold, I will gather thee to thy fathers, and thou shalt be gathered to thy grave in peace, neither shall thine eyes see all the evil that I will bring upon this place, and upon the inhabitants of the same. So they brought the king word again. Then the king sent and gathered together all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem.  And the king went up into the house of the Lord, and all the men of Judah, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and the priests, and the Levites, and all the people, great and small: and he read in their ears all the words of the book of the covenant that was found in the house of the Lord.  And the king stood in his place, and made a covenant before the Lord, to walk after the Lord, and to keep his commandments, and his testimonies, and his statutes, with all his heart, and with all his soul, to perform the words of the covenant which are written in this book.  And he caused all that were present in Jerusalem and Benjamin to stand to it. And the inhabitants of Jerusalem did according to the covenant of God, the God of their fathers. -And Josiah took away all the abominations out of all the countries that pertained to the children of Israel, and made all that were present in Israel to serve, even to serve the Lord their God. And all his days they departed not from following the Lord, the God of their fathers.

 

Posted in Christian Service, Life Inspiration, Political

Three Reasons I Woke Up Fed Up

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on Three Reasons I Woke Up Fed Up

CHICK FED

I woke up fed up, but made up my mind not to give up. American politics didn’t change who I am but it did change how I view people. God created me with a heart of compassion, even pre-salvation my tender heart always wanted to right the wrongs of other people. I have no prejudice in me because of the color of a person’s skin, or a lifestyle of sin. Sin is committed by all of us, and it’s not justified by any of us; but forgiven by the Lord Jesus Christ upon the acceptance of Him as Savior and the price He alone paid on Calvary. I can’t work for it nor will my compassionate heart gain me any brownie points with God. Compassion is expected.

So why did I wake up fed up this morning?

  1. Because the Lord feeds His people the finest cuts of meat and they spit it out on the ground in exchange for ice cream.

1 Corinthians 3:1-3

And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?

Preachers preach their hearts out expounding the truth in the Word of God, but because it goes against what the “world” deems as acceptable, even the parishioners who are in the house of God on Sunday don’t want to hear it and rally against it as if they have the authority of Almighty God to change what is right and what is wrong. I’m fed up with that non-sense! But I still believe that there’s a few of us left who believe the Bible from cover to cover, who don’t read between the lines or change the lines, we just accept it as truth. And because there are a few of us left I believe God has been merciful to America and would love to show this egotistical lot of Americans who it is that’s in charge and Almighty. But the few of us who are left must be bold.

  1. Because the world views the life of an animal more valuable than the life of a human.

Mark 5:13-15

And forthwith Jesus gave them leave. And the unclean spirits went out, and entered into the swine: and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea, (they were about two thousand;) and were choked in the sea. And they that fed the swine fled, and told it in the city, and in the country. And they went out to see what it was that was done. And they come to Jesus, and see him that was possessed with the devil, and had the legion, sitting, and clothed, and in his right mind: and they were afraid.

This is slightly out of context of Mark 5, because I don’t know that the pig keepers cared more about their pigs than they did about the crazy man in the cemetery. But I can say flat footed today that the people of America (as a whole) would care more about the pigs than the crazy man. Don’t get me wrong… I love critters, and believe that they should be pampered and loved on. But if it came down to the life of my dog or the life of my child, it’s not up for debate. My child wins, or anybody else’s child in harm’s way. But Americans will scream bloody murder for the rights of a dog that maimed a person but will say nothing when a child is murdered before it’s allowed to be born and it’s body parts sold by Planned Parenthood. How much longer will God be merciful to us who say nothing?

     3. I’m fed up with those who mock Christianity and attempt to belittle the Lord Jesus Christ.

They can’t honestly belittle the Lord. I mean really… the Creator of all the Universe. How can you talk down to He who looks down upon you from on high and could by His breath speak you out of existence? It’s laughable… if it weren’t so doggone scary! Jesus spoke in Matthew 25-40  saying

Matthew 25:37-40

Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.

God said, “I saw you feed and care for my people.” Even though the world tries  to belittle what Christian’s do and to stop the ministry of feeding hungry souls the Word of God, we just need to continue on, fed up or not. Just keep feeding people the truth, because God sees, and one day those who mock will mock no more.

Love the unlovable. The crazy man at the tomb may have been a politician.

Posted in Life Inspiration, Political, Prayer

10 things to Pray for on the 4th of July

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on 10 things to Pray for on the 4th of July

chick eagle 2

Whether or not we agree with our Nation’s direction, and let me be clear… I don’t, we are still obligated as children of God and it is for our own benefit that we pray for our Nation and leaders. And by prayer I don’t mean that we pray for a pot fall from a window and take them out. Tomorrow is July 4; a day to celebrate independence. Because of current and past men and women serving our country and willing to risk their lives for our protection we continue today to have the freedom to pray openly and are given a biblical mandate to do so.

Paul, in his instruction to Timothy said, “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications,   prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour;” – 1 Timothy 2:1-3

Paul understood what it was like to lose your freedom. The very people he was instructing the church to pray for had beat and imprisoned him. Although we are often beat down spiritually here in America, I’ve never been beaten and cast in prison physically. We are without excuse for not praying.

Here’s a few things on my prayer list today for our country:

I pray…

1.    That the leadership of our Nation, States and Communities feel the conviction of the Lord Jesus Christ to seek His wisdom.

2.    That the children of God in authority are bold to proclaim His Word and the Sovereignty of the Lord Jesus Christ.

3.    I pray for a hedge of protection around our Country and that the power of Heaven would thwart any efforts to bring harm in our land by the enemy, especially on our Nation’s day of celebration.

4.    That church leadership who have lost the genuine Word of God, would find it again and call their people together and tell them they have found the book as they did in 2 Kings 22:8.

5.    I pray that our military, here and abroad would have the mighty hand of God shielding them from attack and that in so doing the enemy would fear our God as the other nations feared the God of Israel (our God) in 2 Chronicles 20:29 – And the fear of God was on all the kingdoms of those countries, when they had heard that the Lord fought against the enemies of Israel.

6.    I pray for humility. For all of the United States to acknowledge Who God is.

7.   That hearts tremble tomorrow in reverence of our Lord for how He has protected America.

8.   For our children who have never known a godly nation. I pray that there are those set before them who are godly showing them the way to Christ Jesus.

9.    I pray that the churches, especially my own will line the altar and pray for America this Sunday.

10.  I pray for me… and you should pray for you… that we are who God needs us to be for our people.

Gen. George Washington issued this decree on March 6, 1776, calling for a day of fasting and prayer as our country began its long and bloody battle for independence:

“Set apart … as a day of fasting, prayer and humiliation, to implore the Lord and Giver of all victory to pardon our manifold sins and wickedness, and that it would please Him to bless the Continental Arms with His divine favor and protection—all officers and soldiers are strictly enjoined to pay all due reverence and attention on that day to the sacred duties due to the Lord of hosts for His mercies already received and for those blessings which our holiness and uprightness of life can alone encourage us to hope through His mercy to obtain.”

We are blessed to live in the land of the free, but as Christians we are blessed with a freedom far greater than that provided by our nation. The blood of Jesus Christ our Lord freed us from the bondage of sin, and gave us the opportunity to commune with the Lord Himself through the Holy Spirit. That freedom should never be taken for granted.

 

Posted in Grace, Leadership, Life Inspiration

We should do no less

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on We should do no less

abigail

What do you do when the world around you is full of wickedness and you’d like to lash out and do ungodly acts? When you’ve had it up to your eyeballs with bad attitudes and hatred spewed in the name of politics, when the Name of Christ is uttered in contempt and it seems as though it’s in vain that we attempt peace? There was a day that it took a woman to fix the mess that man had created.

Shocker right? Just kidding!!!! Kinda…

In the book of 1 Samuel chapter 25 we find the story of Abigail, wife of Nabal who was a wicked, self-centered man, described as Belial; a demon himself who no doubt made this woman’s life miserable, and yet she stayed. David who had yet to become King was on the run from Saul with a band of rag tag men who had been described as “every one that was in distress, and every one that was in debt, and every one that was discontented”. Not exactly an army of heroes that we read about with David in other stories. But at this point we find David and his men voluntarily performing the unpaid task of body guards over Nabal’s men as they were in the same fields shepherding. David thought it not too much to ask of Nabal for a few victuals  but Nabal’s arrogance railed against David, who he knew to be future King saying “ Who is David? and who is the son of Jesse?”

He was about to find out! The next thing you hear David saying is “Gird ye on every man his sword”. It was the equivalency of the Power Rangers of the day. But then came Abigail.

A few lessons from Abigail that help me this morning in the face of this adverse world we live in.

She waited in Adversity

Living with a man such as Nabal was not an easy task, and though it would have been the culture of the day for her stay it wouldn’t have made it fun. Yet we find her there with an obvious respect of her household and a desire to care for them. Our main role in this life (aside from the first serving God) is to take care of our family and make it as pleasant as possible. Abigail had garnered respect and honor, her husband’s staff obviously felt that she was competent to get something done because when they’d heard what Nabal did to David and knew that there would be certain repercussions, they came to Abigail for help.

It’s often not easy serving when the world around you disregards God and His people. But it’s important to stand strong in the faith so that in the hour of need, those around us know in whom they can depend.

She waited on an opportunity

As soon as the servants came to Abigail with the news of her idiot husband’s behavior she went into survival mode. She knew that she would need to fix what her husband had broken. She didn’t go to David with excuses, she went to David with humility. We’re not going to gain God’s mercy and grace on this Nation by making excuses, we’re going to have to go to Him in humility for our idiot leadership who spout off to God with their behavior “Who is God?” I have wonder how many times the sword could have been drawn on us if it had not been for God’s people taking that opportunity to intercede on America’s behalf.

Abigail waited… both in time and in service. We should do no less.

Error: Contact form not found.

Posted in Uncategorized

The Color of Deception – A survival plan for America

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on The Color of Deception – A survival plan for America

dinghy

Acts 27:30-32 ~ And as the shipmen were about to flee out of the ship, when they had let down the boat into the sea, under colour as though they would have cast anchors out of the foreship, Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, Except these abide in the ship, ye cannot be saved. Then the soldiers cut off the ropes of the boat, and let her fall off.

Paul, a prisoner among others on board a ship sailing to Crete had warned the shipmen about their impending fate should they move forward. But who is he but a tent maker and a preacher? And so they sail on, and as was expected by Paul they hit rough seas. Fearing certain destruction of the boat, the crew of the ship let down the dinghy pretending to cast out anchors with a plan of leaving Paul, the guards and other prisoners on board to surely perish. Forget the captain goes down with the ship,it’s every man for himself. But Paul, the same who had warned them of the storm, warns them again of their demise if they don’t stay on the ship, so the soldiers cut off the dinghy’s rope and let it fall and all were saved in the ship.

This story rings true of our country to me this morning. They’ve heard the word of God, and yet our leadership continues to sail on in the direction of certain destruction. They’ve thrown out the dinghy’s, their plan to “move America forward” as the MSNBC commercial (which I loathe) says, and they don’t care who’s left in the ship to perish. It’s my prayer this morning that some of the soldiers of the cross will cut the lines of their escape plan and let if fall away from us. Yes there will still likely be rough seas ahead, but we’ll survive. Enough is enough.

The color of deception is motion sickness green. It’s America being tossed to and from, away from the traditions and moral convictions our nation was founded on and the acceptance of lies for lies. We don’t even believe it’s the truth, we’re just willing (as a whole) to follow liars, because they’re in charge. They’ve got the dinghy. We need people to stand up against these knot heads and cut the strings by making them follow the same care plan we’re on. They may be captain of this ship but they don’t control the tide. Hello?

I realize that’s a lot of metaphorical speaking. But I figure the resemblance to the shape of America is so obvious it won’t be an issue of understanding. Why is it that we allow them to say the Word of God is void? Why is it that there is reportedly 83% of Americans claiming the Christian faith and yet so few standing up for it against the 500ish men and women Senators and Representatives in Congress. Somebody needs to cut the dinghy ropes from these dingbats in Washington.

I know why I don’t, it’s probably the same reason you don’t. How?

To begin we have to one by one start cutting the ropes locally and then nationally until all the dingbats fall in the water. 2014 will be another election year. If Christians don’t do something to keep their people in the ship, we’re going to perish.

I, for one, have not given up on God in our nation. I’ve had no angel speak to me as Paul did. I’ve had no divine revelation from God. Only the Word of God that tells me if I continue on with Him, I’ll be safe. I believe God can still turn our nation around. But He’s not going to do it alone. We’re the ones in the ship.

Posted in Uncategorized

Look How Far We’ve Come

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on Look How Far We’ve Come

Gettysburg AddressNovember 19th went by with little fanfare in the United States. It could have possibly been on the news, the likelihood of me seeing it there was slim to none. But as I read the Gettysburg Address this morning, my heart longed to hear a modern day political official speak with such eloquence and spiritual depth. It was a very short speech in comparison to most but I feel safe to say it had a far greater positive impact on our Country than anything coming out of the Whitehouse in current times. Note that I said positive impact.

He began the address with the words four score and seven years ago which much resembles Psalm 90:10 that reads “The days of our years are threescore years and ten; and if by reason of strength they be fourscore years, yet is their strength labour and sorrow; for it is soon cut off, and we fly away.” And he ends his address with a call to action of those gathered there. He acknowledges the honored dead  who were sacrificed so that our nation was given another chance, a new birth of freedom; a nation under God (Sovereignly ruled), and a nation  of the people, by the people and for the people that shall not perish. Showing his compassion and concern for those he served.

Look how far we’ve come. My heart is saddened for our nation, but not without hope, because I still serve the God of Abraham and Isaac, and Abraham Lincoln.

I’m not going to get into politics, it speaks for itself. Volumes. But I would like to offer you a suggestion of prayer for our nation as we go into the week of Thanksgiving.

Read the Gettysburg Address (it will only take a minute) and then pray the A.C.T.S. method of prayer.

Adoration – Acknowledge how good God is, and that it is His sovereignty that has allowed America to be the Great Nation it is.

Confession – Confess that as an individual and as a nation we’ve not done all we could to protect what we’ve been given.

Thankful – Thank God for the field of faith has gone before us to allow the freedom we still enjoy and for those who unselfishly continue to defend our honor, when we’re not always so honorable.

Supplication – Ephesians 6:18 says – Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

Pray for each other and the leadership of America. An Abraham Lincoln quote from a speech in Chicago on July 10, 1858 said

Let us then turn this government back into the channel in which the framers of the Constitution originally placed it.

Amen. Pray on pilgrim.

And I stand corrected on tributes to the Gettysburg Address. Check out the Ohio State Video! If you love band music like I do, get you a hankee and enjoy!!! It’s 14 minutes long but worth ever second!

Ohio State Tribute