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

When Controversy Rears it’s Ugly Head

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

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

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

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

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

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

Don’t Get Mad too Fast, take it Slow

Ecclesiastes 7:9-23 KJVS

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

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

Don’t Get too Big for Your Britches

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

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

Don’t Assume God’s Children are Without Issues

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

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

Posted in Christian, Health, Humor, Leadership, Life Inspiration, Political

I’m Not the Keeper of Your Life

Oh man! Do we live in a judgmental society. I had to use “oh man,” in the context for which I did, because Paul used it in Romans 2:1 a couple of times, and totally made me snicker as I read it; knowing that Paul didn’t know the context for which we would speak that today, but God certainly did. Did it ever occur to you that nothing ever occurred to God? Hey, don’t judge me for my warped humor; which just so happens to be todays thought on my heart. The judgement, not the humor.

I listened as someone this week spewed judgement about someone else without regard to their  own failures in life. They didn’t give their failures any thought because they believe their failures to be excusable. But if they understood the word of God… hey  lets get real, if any of us put the word of God into action as it’s intended and applied it to our lives, how often would our lips be zipped?!  God’s righteousness will not allow anyone to be excused for judging others. He is righteous. We are far, far from it. 

God’s not Snarky, but I am

 Romans 2:1-11 KJVS

 [1] Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. [2] But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things. [3] And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? 

When I read verse 2, I read it as if God had a snarky attitude. Of course Paul wrote the words of the Lord, so maybe Paul did! To country quote what Paul is saying, “O man,you’re inexcusable! You’re judging people when you do the same or worse. But you are sure that the judgement of God is going to go way worse for them. O man! You think you’re going to escape judgment, think again. 

That’s what it would have said if this were the Bible according to Shari. But it’s not, so Paul’s writing is much more eloquent. And it’s what God told him to say, so there’s that.

The judging that’s on my mind and heart this morning is that of the current state of health in America. Vaccine or no vaccine, mask or no mask, stay home or go out, home school or public school? It’s ridiculous (yes I’m judging) from my perspective. I seldom think I have the right to infringe my beliefs upon others. Note I said seldom, not that I don’t ever do it. But knowing that God did not make me the keeper of another man’s life, I do not ever feel I have the right to insist that he or she follow my conviction. If i feared for my life, I’d stay home. I don’t. So I’m going to work, church or where ever I desire because I’m not living my life in the fear that “I feel” media has put into the minds of America. What is most concerning to me is that Christians don’t consider it judging to tell another person they shouldn’t feel the way they do. It’s considered right or left thinking rather than right or wrong thinking. Oh yeah, I went there.

I went there because a fellow Christian went there with me last week when they insinuated I shouldn’t involve politics in my Christian teaching. For the record, I name the sin not the political party and they applied it to the party, not me. They caused me to question whether or not I should speak out on certain sins that are apart of our current political climate and debates. The Apostle Paul called out the sins of the day, (which happen to still be active sins). He gave the Romans, Corinthians, Philippians and others a message that they could apply to the current events and struggles they were facing. Should that not be how we minister today? 

When Paul spoke on judging others, obviously it was an issue. It’s still an issue. But what’s more of an issue is the fact that we’re worried about whether or not someone has the vaccine inside their body and not Jesus. I want to ask anyone who’s complained about someone not wearing a mask, or not taking the vaccine,  “When is the last time you ask someone about the condition of their soul?” If you call yourself a Christian and you are more concerned about their vaccine status than you are if they’re going to Hell. Zip it. 

As is every message I bring, that “zip it” was a reminder for me too. I do not care if you’re vaccinated or if you wear a mask. But sometimes I care a little too much that you care. Sometimes I forget that fear is a real monster that’s not hiding under the bed. It’s living out in the open in Washington DC. And people feel what they feel and I should acknowledge that and not make light of it. So, I’ll believe your fearfulness. But please, listen to my love for your soul. 

Posted in Bible Journaling, Christian Service, Church attendance, Church Unity, worship

Where’s Your Faith?

Hebrews 11:1-2 KJV

Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. [2] For by it the elders obtained a good report.

I make no profession of having all things “faith” figured out. As a matter of fact there are days when my level of faith makes me feel like an absolute babe in salvation. And then this morning as I’m sitting here with the door open, listening to creation outside with an almost zoo atmosphere going on inside the house with critters, I watch as they each just do what they do without regard for the other and I thank God that most of the world is at least a step above that. Or are we? 

This week we’re grand kitten sittin’ my daughter Whitney’s cat. Her name is Gypsy, and while she came from a litter our cat Callie gave birth to, she’s not the least bit thankful for the momma who gave her life. Or for the fact that her very food depends upon my provision of it. This is not her house, yet she has decided that she is the boss. And the normal boss, Who is Izadora the Chihuahua has relented to allowing it. Gypsy stays guard in the kitchen over the food bowl, and doesn’t allow anyone else to eat. So each of the critters wait, until she is elsewhere and then takes their turn. This seems oddly similar to the current news cycle. 

Those who once believed that they were given authority by the God of Creation have suddenly given way to non-believing, American hating, liberal thugs that have moved in and said, “we’re the boss of you.” And spineless leaders have said, “Okay, we’ll stand back here ‘til you’re done.” 

What? Where’s your faith?

These are the same leaders that when they were running for election, said they were “Christian” leaders. We voted for them on that stance. Well, someone did. And then there’s the American people, who are watching in bewilderment that this is happening and have no idea what we’re to do to make the madness stop. This is where Sunday morning comes into play, and why it’s been so important for the liberals to stop church attendance by controlling how many, if any can attend. A fundamental right of the American people and we’re standing back and saying, “Okay, we’ll wait until it’s our turn to live our life again.” No. That’s not at all how that should work!

I could step outside my door right now and scream to the top of my voice “shut up creation!!!!!”  And guess what… they wouldn’t. It’s who they are created to be, and I can’t stop them. Hello? Are you hearing what I am this morning? God is saying, “I created you to praise, they can’t stop you. Where is your faith?”

Luke 8:25 KJV

And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.

I have a confession to make. I have been judging some folks. Not folks that are protecting themselves from illness because of underlying health circumstances. I get it. But what about those who go shopping, who go to the beach for cryin’ out loud, but avoid church because of the virus. This doesn’t have anything to do with faith, this is flat out inadmissible into the court of Jesus excuses. Am I saying I’m Jesus. Heavens to Betsy no. But I’m saying that I don’t buy for two seconds that Jesus buys your excuse. 

You’re refusing to do what’s God created you to do.

I have some friends that are truly “stuck” at home. It breaks my heart because they would rather be in church than anywhere in the world. They are faithful to watch on line, they study the word of God on their own, they read this silly blog, and they love God and He knows! But what about the rest of the world, who tomorrow morning will sit at home and say it is because of the virus, when that it is because they’ve bought the leftist lies. 

I found this verse this week that kind of cracked me up. 

Ecclesiastes 10:2 KJV

A wise man’s heart is at his right hand; but a fool’s heart at his left.

Speaks volumes to me, how about you? Now I know why I’m not siding with the left. 

Today’s post may or may not have been a rant. But tomorrow is Sunday. And I need my people. I miss them. But whether or not they care if I miss them is irrelevant. The fact of the matter is, God misses them.