Tag: Word of God

Posted in Church attendance, Church Unity, Word of God, worship

Somebody’s got to be the Bad Guy

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on Somebody’s got to be the Bad Guy

For almost 61 years I have been the type person that wanted to make people at the very least smile, and if possible laugh. I love hearing laughter! But I am so outspoken, so opinionated in what I believe that I sometimes leave people with a scowl, but seldom a face of indifference. I have friends who are much the same. My friend Steve Boggs has made people laugh, and he too has made people not so happy when he shared the truth of the Word of God. 

He was bringing a devotion to a group of friends the other day and as he closed his message out, he referenced the harshness of the truth to people in the world. And he said “Hey, Somebody’s got to be the bad guy.”

Ain’t it the truth!  I couldn’t get my mind away from that thought. Kermit the Frog has a song titled “It not easy being green.” Well it’s not easy being red either (meaning conservative). Although I guess I’m a little red neck too, but for the sake of this post, we’ll say it stands for conservative and more than anything else, I want to be biblical. The Bible in no way shape or form aligns with what’s going on in the world today. Republican or Democrat. And there are many who say they believe the Bible is the inerrant word of God, except they change the very definition of it when the won’t stand on what it says. On both the Republican and Democrat sides of the isle. So let’s just agree to be biblical!

God’s not political. But we live in a political world and need to do the best we can to defend God’s word and point people to the saving grace of Jesus Christ. So we have to take a stand, and it often makes a Christian the bad guy. Because most everyone in the world wants you to, at the very least, not oppose them. You don’t have to agree, but for Pete’s sake never tell them they’re wrong.

Praise God that we have an example like the Apostle Paul who tells the Galatian in Chapter 4:23 “Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth?”

The Galatians were once again listening to the Jewish leadership who wanted to keep them in bondage to the law. But Paul, serving and preaching Christ, warns them of how that method keeps them in bondage. But to follow the salvation of Christ, (which is never through works but faith alone) allows them to live free, forgiven, without the need to “do” anything. Should that not be good news? 

As Christians, we’re to share that message. Jesus forgives, Jesus saves, Jesus frees. But the world hears it as “I can’t be who I want to be.” 

Nope. You can be better!

Paul tells his friends in verse 21 of that same chapter “Tell me, ye that desire to be under the law, do ye not hear the law?”

Can you Hear What You’ve Accepted as Truth?

While nobody who has accepted the current liberal way of thinking would say they’re accepting the law (more than likely that is how they see us.) But what they’re accepting is very much what the Jewish leadership wanted from the people of Galatia. Just do what we say, and question nothing. The law has said that we have to march to the politically correct drum, giving special rights to those who make truth a lie – –  if not we’re in violation. Anyone with any sense knows that babies are born either male or female. That’s not up for debate. But the world has made it a new truth. There is nothing new under the sun, scripture says that too.

The world says truth is subjective. Nope. If it is based on feelings or emotions, it’s absolutely not truth. I can feel differently every day of the week. Truth is fact. Not anything is up for debate.

Paul goes on to tell the Galatians of the Old Testament story of Abraham. Who had two children, one with Sarah his wife, after he had one with Hagar his bond maid.  The child he had with Hagar was born into bondage, a child of the flesh, the child that was born to Sarah was the child of promise. The child of freedom. 

Can you hear What you’ve accepted as Law?

Paul said in verses 22-23

For it is written that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise.

Hagar’s son Ishmael mocked Issac the son of Sarah. Can you hear the mocking of the Christian faith today?

Genesis 21:8-12 KJV

And the child grew, and was weaned: and Abraham made a great feast the same day that Isaac was weaned. [9] And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, which she had born unto Abraham, mocking. [10] Wherefore she said unto Abraham, Cast out this bondwoman and her son: for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, even with Isaac. [11] And the thing was very grievous in Abraham’s sight because of his son. [12] And God said unto Abraham, Let it not be grievous in thy sight because of the lad, and because of thy bondwoman; in all that Sarah hath said unto thee, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac shall thy seed be called.

It is hard for us to comprehend Old Testament ways. Throwing a child and his mother out into the cold, how would a loving God justify that? God knew what the future held for the children of Israel, the legitimate offspring of Abraham. Those born of the promise. They would have to face centuries of persecution, death and ridicule by the the ancestors of Ishmael. We know those ancestors today to be of Iraq. We also know their laws… We know that they have a fraction of the freedom we have, and yet we provide more defense for their religion than our faith. A religion that murders without penalty and abuses without retribution. Why would people want that for their children? Can they not see what they have accepted as law.

Who Hindered you from the Truth? 

Paul told the people what they did not want to hear. He played the bad guy so that he could save the people from themselves. 

Galatians 5:1-8 KJV

Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. [2] Behold, I Paul say unto you, that if ye be circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. [3] For I testify again to every man that is circumcised, that he is a debtor to do the whole law. [4] Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace. [5] For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. [6] For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love. [7] Ye did run well; who did hinder you that ye should not obey the truth? [8] This persuasion cometh not of him that calleth you.

I’ll be the bad guy if it saves my friends. I’m trying to get you to see and accept what Jesus Christ did on the cross as the finished work. I’m trying to get you to see that when you read the word of God, the truth is not up for debate, nor is it up to private interpretation. And if you read it, the Spirit reveals to you the truth to make you free.

I know this to be fact because God has revealed the word to me again and again. Don’t believe the lie of the Devil that says you can’t understand the Bible. The King Jame Version, (the version I use) is written in a way that children can understand. There are far more complex words in the newer versions of the Bible, many of which change the definition entirely of the scripture. 

Before anyone calls outspoken Christians the bad guy, you should first read the Bible for yourself.

Glenn Beck, of Blaze TV, asked for prayer the other day for Tucker Carlson. Carlson is the recently fired, very well known host of Fox News. So well known he was the number one news show on the air. So why would they fire him? Because he refused to stop telling the truth. But that’s not the reason Glenn asked for prayer. He asked for prayer because Tucker, as a devout Episcopalian, confessed that he had never read the Bible. “It’s not encouraged in their faith,” he said. But in an effort to understand spiritual matters he had taken it upon himself to read it. And he’s amazed. He’s soaking it in like a sponge and has fallen in love with the Word of God. Isn’t that amazing?! Imagine the reach that Tucker Carlson has and what he could do with the truth of God. He does need prayer. 

But what about our reach. What about every single person you come into contact with? What if that’s only a couple of family members? Well, do you want them to go Hell or are you willing to risk the offense of telling them about Jesus? Nobody will be calling you the bad guy for hurting their feelings when they’re in Heaven!

Posted in Uncategorized

How to Know Jesus is Moving

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on How to Know Jesus is Moving

I want to share with you the Word of the Lord that really encouraged me in the place that I’m in. And that place is not just Grantsville, WV, although that’s my home town, the place that I’m in is Heaven.

Ephesians 2:6 And hath raised us up together and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: 

Christ is entered into heaven as the forerunner, to take possession of it for his people, in their name; and to prepare mansions of glory for them, and in these we sit. We sit there already through Him. That is where we find pleaseure, rest, safety and security. You can’t find that in this world. 

But I’ve been in a position recently that has caused me to question a great many things. But God is faithful. I am not. I’ll run from God and run from the Holy Spirit if I feel it’s a struggle I’m not ready for. But whom ever it was that coined the phrase “If God brings you to it, He’ll bring you through it,” knew what they were saying.

So when I finally made a decision to move out of the place that I was in and move forward, things started happening. Peace began to come. The battle didn’t become any easier, but it became manageable. God began to guide me by taking me on a journey through the Word, through music, through all the things that I had relied on for so many years. 

There was joy in the journey for me today. 

When Apostle Paul got saved, I would venture a guess that there were many people who questioned his ministry. Was it real? He had been previously killing Christians? Why was He such a zealot? I can understand that one…Because he came from dead religion and he knew where he was headed!  It’s no wonder that people questioned his sincerity, but it didn’t change the truth that Paul had the power of God on him and the ability to preach Christ. To those who really knew him, they knew God had chosen him for a specific ministry, a ministry to the Gentiles. 

So it causes me to question myself, Who is my ministry too? Is it to a select group, like women, or children? Is it to all people? Is it through music, the written word, the spoken word… there are so many avenues to take. Which one Lord? Did Paul question his? No… I think he simply went where the Spirit lead. And when he got there, he joyed in his journey too and there was movement in the community. 

There is Movement When There’s Real Warriors

Paul faced persecution and unhappy religious people in Acts 17:6 where it says  “And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also. 

Not only did Paul face persecution but it caused his friends to get caught up in it as well. Paul and his ministering buddies had turned the world upside down. Would to God we would move that way today!  When you find ministering people who realize the battle we’re in they are true warriors for Christ. They understand our role of bringing the word to the people even in the face of adversity. 

Turning the world upside down happened in Paul’s day, I believe it happened again in the 1730-40’s in England during the great awakening. Throughout America and England in the mid 1800’s. Again in Chicago in 1875-1885. The Welsh Revivals in the early 1900’s, and through Billy Sunday and Billy Graham throughout the 1900s at various times. What brought on those Revivals? Were they in a honeymoon period of life. No… There was a movement because times were changing. Life was hard and people needed hope. Can you see the relevance today and the need for warriors for Christ’s Word. 

There is Movement When the Real Word is being spoken

Acts 17:11

These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind and searched the scriptures daily whether those things were so. 

Luke, Paul and their friends were taking the community by storm. The people were hungry for the word and they were searching the scripture with a mind ready to soak it in like a sponge. Are we that hungry? I love preaching. If I had to choose between the two, I’d choose the Word of God any day over music. Even though I love music. It all has a place in the ministry but it should all point us to the Word of God and Jesus Himself. One should not replace the other. But if the church does not have a hunger for the word of God, something is wrong. I don’t care how many times I’ve read it, every time I read it, it’s as if it were the first. There’s a new application or clarity that appears and my soul is stirred with a desire to know more. 

When the word takes root in your soul, there is also a desire that should run through you to do something with it. Not just sit and soak. But soak and serve. We are not given knowledge to horde it like a pack rat. We have a responsibility like Paul to take that word somewhere. It needs to move from the church house, from the recliner,  where ever it is that you’ve read it or heard it, it needs to move from there to the ears of someone else. Maybe it’s the Sunday dinner table. Maybe it’s breakfast at the restaurant with friends, perhaps to a ten year old that’s got questions about faith. But move with the Word of God.

There is Movement When there’s Real Worship

Acts 17:23-28 KJVS

For as I passed by, and beheld your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription, TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Whom therefore ye ignorantly worship, him declare I unto you. [24] God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands; [25] Neither is worshipped with men’s hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things; [26] And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; [27] That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: [28] For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.

Glory! We are the children of God. While the world follows false idols and false ways, those of us who know God, found Him even in the darkness. I wasn’t even looking for Him when I found Him. I was a part of dead religion and thought I knew Him. But we can feel Him, like a blind man feels to find his way. God was never far away, even in our most lost state, He was just waiting for us to call out His name. And He’s still waiting for those who have yet to do it. That’s what this life is about… us showing others to the Lord Jesus Christ. It’s our job. Every child of God has the responsibility to share Jesus with those they come into contact with. It’s a divine appointment that should not be shrugged off or handed off to someone else. 

Those people who were worshipping the false gods wanted an experience that can only be had through the Spirit of the One true God. Once you experience true worship, you know that anything you had prior to that pales in comparison. Why there are dead Christians, I don’t know. I’ve really tried to figure that out. Are they lost? No, I don’t believe they’re lost. But there is certainly something missing for them if they’ve not felt the movement of the Holy Spirit in their life. 

Are you asking what it feels like to feel the power of God moving? For me, my heart rate speeds up.  There is joy that feels like it is being poured like oil into my soul. It has caused me to weep uncontrollably, and believe me I tried to control it because I hate drawing attention to myself. I have seen it work through other people the same way and different ways, but I knew God was moving in their life. I didn’t know what He was doing, but I knew He was doing something. It was a worship experience. That’s what the movement of God does. 

If you’ve not experienced Him like that, I’m sorry. I pray you do. God desires His people to experience worship because that worship is us thanking and praising Him for all He’s done. I think it’s why people like me received the worship experience early in my walk with Christ and it never left, because I know how much gratitude I have (which is not enough) but I am so very thankful for God bringing me out of dead religion, a headed for Hell life and never having had peace until I experienced salvation. 

Do you know Him? Do you have that peace? If not, please, message me, let me tell you how I came to know Him. 

For more information about me, Shari Johnson, the Jesus Chick, check out the TheJesusChick.com, Ridgeviewnews.com or FGGAM.org, You’ll find my information and much more there. If you’d like to send a message send it via email to talk2shari@gmail.com or message me at 3043776036.

Posted in Bible Journaling, Christian, Church Unity, Evangelism, Praisee, Purpose, salvation, worship

For All that’s Wrong, There’s Plenty that’s Right

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Have you ever been spiritually frustrated? Or should I ask “When’s the last time you were spiritually frustrated?” If you’ve walked the path of faith for any length of time at all, and by that I mean greater than 15 minutes, you’ve no doubt experienced it. But one would think that the longer and further you’ve walked, provided you’ve clung to the Rock, you would experience frustrations less. I have met very few (if any) people who don’t struggle.

I have witnessed those who get in a big way of talking and and say that they got in the face of the Devil and said “You’re a liar Satan, and I rebuke you in the name of Jesus to get out of my life.” And then according to their testimony, he did. I’ll just tell you from my stand point, I’m going to let God do the rebuking of Satan, because any time I’ve tried it, Satan has came at me that much harder. I’m not always sure it’s Satan I should be giving the credit to for the hard times any way, I’m sure I am often to blame. But struggles come and go and with them, many conversations with God.

So as I read through the short book of Habakkuk following a funeral yesterday, his words struck a chord in my soul.

Watch and See

Habakkuk 2:1 KJVS
I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved.

Have I been watching? Have I had any desire to see what the Lord has to say about the recent frustrations in my life? I have to ask myself that honestly. I tell you often that I am quick to ask and slow to listen. It’s as if I’m a toddler who looks at a parent right before they stick their hand in the fire and then is shocked with the result. Other times it’s like the child who falls and scrapes their knee and screams bloody murder because a parent wants to put medicine on it, only to discover the medicine took away the pain. Watch and see…

Habakkuk looked high, he didn’t look low. He did not seek man’s advice but went to the One and only capable of answering. He didn’t stir the masses up with his problems and he didn’t assume that Judah wasn’t the problem. He only knew that God would take care of them some how. He asked and then he listened. Hmmm… I could learn.

What He Will Say

When the Lord answers He gives Habakkuk an instruction.

Habakkuk 2:2 KJVS
[2] And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.

Write it down. And here we are over 2500 years later, reading the words that he wrote that God continues to speak through. That’s amazing! God told Habakkuk to write down the vision, a plan for the future and Habakkuk listened to his Lord’s words. God was sending a warning out to the people that judgement was going to come. It’s still true today. Sometimes it’s swift, but as it was in the day of this text sometimes God waits for a while to bring everything to fruition so that it can be understood and work for His glory.

I hate to wait. I have a microwave mentality most of the time. But if I think about the fire of an oven in comparison to the artificial heat of a microwave, the baking result is vastly different. It’s always better in the oven. Slower… but oh so good.

Wait for it

Habakkuk 2:3-4 KJVS

[3] For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. [4] Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.

Waiting requires trust. Trust that come what may, it’s for my good.

This chapter records God’s answers to the questions that challenged Habakkuk’s faith: (1) How long would evil prevail (1:2-3)? (2) Why was Babylon chosen to punish Judah (1:13)? God said that the judgment against evil, though slow to come, was certain. And though God used Babylon to punish Judah, God also knew Babylon’s sins and would punish it in due time.

But what are we to do in the wait? For me I think I should consider what my role in these battles has been. Facing the reality that I could be the problem or at the very least a part of it. Habakkuk didn’t go up and get his answer and then storm down because God’s truth wasn’t what he wanted. He accepted God’s truth that there were those whose soul’s were not upright. Does that happen today? That the souls of even God’s people are not always upright? The flesh is a very real adversary in the life of a Christian. Turning control of your frustrations and desires over to God and trusting Him to fix it isn’t easy.

The Answer…

Habakkuk 3:2 KJVS
O Lord, I have heard thy speech, and was afraid: O Lord, revive thy work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known; in wrath remember mercy.

Revive thy work. That is the answer. I skirted all around it, trying to make far more out of Habakkuk’s message than needed to be. What I love about God’s word, among many things, is the simplicity of His speech. I often don’t go to the word because I too am afraid of God’s answer. I assume that even though the balm He’s about to put on my wound is for my own good, it’s going to be like Merthiolate. That bright reddish orang medicine our parents would put on a raw wound that burned like fire! But it is not. It’s a salve of goodness to the soul.

Revive thy work. The works trumps everything. Every little issue, every big issue on this earth means nothing in the scope of the work that the Christian is supposed to be doing. If we lose sight of that, then souls go to Hell.

I had a sermon from 2013 outlined in my bible from Habakkuk 3:17-19 that spoke to me again.

My notes said thus…

Yet I will rejoice – leave the doubters and get with the shouters!!
We need to practice
A salvation that is established on the Word of God
Phd can mean piled higher and deeper
Isaiah 40:8 the Word of our God will stand forever

God’s word never changes
God never changes
Sin never changes
Penalty for sin never changes
Plan of salvation never changes

God’s word is spiritually discerned

Habakkuk rejoiced in the God of His salvation. For all that is wrong in my world, there’s plenty that is right. I’ll focus on that and leave the rest to God.

Posted in Bible Journaling, Christian, Evangelism, Faith, Life Inspiration, salvation, Word of God

It Ain’t Easy Waiting on Jesus

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Have you ever just looked to the sky and ask God “Why not now Lord? I’m ready, and I don’t want to see this world get any more wicked. This is plenty bad enough. Please, come and get your children!” Well, no doubt those in the days of scripture were very much looking to the same Heaven and saying the same thing. It was they who James was speaking to when He penned the Words God spoke. We know this because in the first verse of the first chapter James tells us who he is speaking to:

James 1:1 KJVS
James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.

It is Israel. The Nation of God’s chosen people. The very people that had turned their back on God to the point that He gave the Gentiles the blessing of Salvation through His Son’s life being given on the cross. When the Jewish leaders continued to deny that Jesus was the Christ, God said ENOUGH! And God began a new work through the Gentiles and through the Apostle Paul. But He continued to work on Israel, although no longer through the traditions of man. It was now by God’s marvelous grace that Jew and Gentile alike could come to the saving grace of Jesus Christ with the promise that He’d return for His Children and then finish what He started with Israel. And now we’re here, waiting for God to come and get us.

In frustration. With patience wearing thin and the temptation to take matters into your own hands most every day. Or perhaps that’s just me.

BE PATIENT

James 5:7-20 KJVS
Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain.

Be patient… James said. Jesus is waiting too, but He has patience because He wants both the fruits of yesterday and the fruits of tomorrows while there is still tomorrows to be had. I usually think of that right after I’ve asked Jesus to come and get me. What if He did? How many souls do I know that would be damned to Hell because they’re not saved? Far, far too many.

BE PATIENT

Again James says it, but this time he’s speaking of the Prophets of old.

[8] Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh. [9] Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door. [10] Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience. [11] Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy.

Prophets who endured the unimaginable for us, and yet James said they counted them happy in what they endured because they knew that God would one day be glorified in their suffering. Job knew it when he told his wife that she spoke like a foolish woman, even though she too had endured the unimaginable of losing every child and belonging she had. She told Job to curse God and die! But Job did not because he knew there was a plan, even if he didn’t understand it. We have to realize that when we look at this world we have to believe THERE IS A PLAN! BE PATIENT.

And BE BUSY…

[12] But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation. [13] Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. [14] Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: [15] And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. [16] Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. [17] Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. [18] And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit. [19] Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; [20] Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.

There is plenty of things in those verses that causes one to wonder aloud, “Why did God not heal when I asked? Why did God not stop the storm when I asked?” Why… there are thousands of them. We read this scripture and doubt creeps in and we think God doesn’t hear, or we’re not living as we should, or any of the other one million reasons that the world tells you that scripture isn’t true. That it doesn’t happen as God said it would. But what we didn’t think about was who God was talking to, and at what dispensation in time was He speaking? This letter is to the Jews. It is written for our edification and encouragement but it is not written for out doctrine to live by. That’s why people get discouraged in the waiting. They’re waiting for the wrong bus. When James wrote this letter it was during the time when God was doing all kind of miracles in the lives of the Jewish people through the Apostles. But when the Gentile church came on the scene, you didn’t see those miracles happen after Paul. Not like it was then. There’s miracles… but not as it was in days of scripture.

So do we just sit and wait? Do we not pray? Do we not believe God can heal? Of course we believe!!! But God is not raising the dead because a preacher asked. He’s not healing every one the way we want Him to heal them, He may heal them in Heaven. But we ask! And we believe that God can and quite often He does and when He does we can rejoice. But when He doesn’t we can still rejoice in knowing that God has a plan and we’re apart of it.

That is why we have to stay busy. There is so much work for the church to do right now and the vast majority of them are waiting on the wrong bus. They’re waiting for God to come and get them and He will… but not until He’s done with the plan.

I’ve been thinking a lot about this lately. About the need to study the word and try to figure out what God’s doing or why He’s not doing something. And I’ve come to this conclusion. Patience is not my virtue. I’m better off staying busy. Get out of line for the bus and get back to work! Amen? Amen!

Posted in Church attendance, Evangelism, Life Inspiration, Praise, Purpose, salvation

I’m Not Always Godly…

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Truth of the matter is, we can all likely say the same, but the level of ungodliness varies on any given day. I have issues that would cause many out there to say “Amen and Amen.”

I’ve never tried to play “the righteous or holy one.” I try to warn people who walk the path with me that if I stumble upon a snake, I’m gonna holler about it. I won’t say bad words, but if someone writes them down, I’ll point to them. I won’t deny that they filter through my mind on more than one occasion. This world is a terrible role model.

There are people in the world that I struggle to like. I can say eye to eye and flat footed that there is no one on this planet that I want to see go to Hell. There is nobody on this planet that I wouldn’t take an opportunity to tell them about the love of Jesus. But there are people that when I hear their voice, I roll my eyes and cringe – if not openly at least on the inside.

I will not ever apologize for shining a light on something that could bring harm to the soul. Public education that has gone off the rails, government that’s gotten too big for their britches, media who selectively report the news, people who hurt or harm others without regret, and religion that makes me want to puke. I say I don’t play church, but if I’m honest I’ve been playing it a little lately, but it’s not been any fun.

So what brings me here today, to this topic? It’s the only way I know that I can keep myself accountable, work through my issues, and possibly help someone else struggling.

What is godliness?

  • A person who genuinely loves the word of God and studies it for the purpose of being who God designed them to be, to walk in His ways, and to glorify Him through their life.
    • David said in Psalm 119:103 KJV
    • How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
    • Paul said in Titus 1:1 KJV
    • Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness;
    • 2 Timothy 3:16-17 KJV
    • All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: [17] That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

Ask yourself this question, “How much do you love the word of God? Are you in the word every day? Can’t say that I have been recently. There was a time that I started every day with the Word of God, read through the Bible, studied and studied the word to figure out what God wanted me to do. And then it happened. I grew weary of failing God. As a minister to the people I could encourage others but could not encourage myself. This is where I will say that “playing church” came in to my life. I could tell you the patented answers to your problems because with 25 years of studying the word of God I had become quite adept at the problems of other people and knowing what the word said about their problems. But my own… Oh no, no, no. I was queen of using my Attention Deficit Disorder to focus on something else besides my issues.

How about acknowledging the truth? When it comes to the wickedness that is in the world do we align everything up by the word of God? This is going to sound petty, and it’s really not meant to be, but I think it’s a good example. This past Sunday I missed church because my back was out. So I began early in the morning from my bed, watching various services. I have some favorite non-Baptist friends that I follow. One family happens to be of the Church of Christ. That particular denomination doesn’t believe in musical instruments in the church (most of them). So I listened and enjoyed their service. But I scrolled a little further to an in home worship service with the same people and there were instruments. Wait a minute… I don’t care if you believe that instruments don’t belong, but how can they belong one place and not another. Now… that does sound petty. Until you put it into perspective with many of the daily decisions we are faced with and are we willing to compromise on what the scripture says regarding other issues like same sex marriage, premarital sex, worldly television, lying, drugs, alcohol, etc. etc. Do we read and study what the Word of God says on those things and other popular topics?

A person who genuinely loves those who God loves (everyone).

Ephesians 6:18-19 KJV

Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints; [19] And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,

A person of humility and understanding of their need to rely on God.

Ezra 8:21-23 KJV

Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance. [22] For I was ashamed to require of the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy in the way: because we had spoken unto the king, saying, The hand of our God is upon all them for good that seek him; but his power and his wrath is against all them that forsake him. [23] So we fasted and besought our God for this: and he was intreated of us.

Ezra, an Old Testament Prophet, knew Who it was that He had to rely on for survival. Yes it was a different day. God was speaking in a different manner, but something that hasn’t changed about that situation is, we still need to talk to God about what’s going on in our day to day lives.

Ezra “afflicted” himself, humbled himself before God. He didn’t come to God with any arrogance or self elevation. There was too much at stake. Hello? Do you think we have a lot at stake now? Sunday morning I had 5 of the 6 grandchildren at my house. Guess who didn’t go to church because I (their Noni) didn’t go to church. Ugh… I felt like a heel. I want my grandchildren to grow up with an example before them daily where God is humbly sought for guidance and safety in this world and that they understand how important God is.

How humble are we? I have always considered myself a pretty humble person… but that in itself means I’m not humble enough. I do consider the great possibility that I can be wrong. So I go to the only source of absolute truth that we have – the Bible. I seek my answers there, not from the world, not from my own opinion (as I have been accused.) I rely on the Spirit, which contrary to what some believe, does speak to the child of God.

A person who does their best to live a life separate from worldly endeavors.

2 Corinthians 6:14-18 KJV

Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? [15] And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? [16] And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them ; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. [17] Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing ; and I will receive you, [18] And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.

Unequally yoked is often used in reference to marriage. But what about relationships with people in general, or any thing in general. I do not believe that it means we’ll never come into contact with the world. How else can people be saved unless someone tells them of Jesus. But as someone called into the ministry of Jesus Christ, I struggled with God wanting me to be in a secular job. When I began to operate the Ridgeview News, I struggled reporting on the failures of others when I knew that I too had failures. It took prayer and understanding that just as a preacher has sins of their own, they have to draw the congregations attention to error of their ways so they’ll correct behaviors and help the church live a good life for Christ. In the process of their study I cannot imagine that the message doesn’t hit the Preacher between the eyes as well. When I write the news, and I have to write of the struggle of another human being, it doesn’t allow me to go unchecked. It reminds me that I too am held to a higher standard. It doesn’t stop me from failing, but it makes me acknowledge my failures and want to do better.

But to yoke up is to join yourself to what God deems ungodly. Watched any less than godly tv shows or movies lately? Encouraged or been apart of ungodly behaviors lately? It’s tough to live in this world and not become sucked into a society that says a little sin won’t matter. Or views different sins at different levels. God said be ye separate. If we line up our every day endeavors by the word of God, how many of them would pass the test as separate? I fear many, many of mine would fail. Vanity, pride, neglect of responsibilities… so many failures, so little time.

So what’s a Christian to do? Get your Bible and read it. Understand that there is far more to living for God than just studying and reading your bible. There is application. That’s what this world is lacking. I see good people being good little Christians. Likely far better than me. But they’re in their house, their job, their family and the church is left down the road. They take care of their four and no more. That is not the separation God was talking about.

We cannot choose any one point from the Bible and say that this is our main focus. Sixty-six books filled with lessons. Purposed for instruction, encouragement, and doctrine and reproof. But every single page has a purpose. Are end times close? Closer than ever before. Do we need to understand how to prepare? That depends on what your idea of prepare is. If your idea of prepare is to get as many people into heaven as you can, then I’m with you. If your goal is not worry about anyone but yourself. Sorry. I’m not in your camp. I love you. I pray you’re in heaven too. But I’m not just worried about you. Sometimes I don’t worry about what I should, sometimes I’m ungodly. But praise Him, I’m saved and forgiven. Amen.

Posted in Christian Service, Evangelism

Did You Know I Carry a Burden for You in my Heart?

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It’s true. If you have ever read a post, met me, or have in any way been a part of my life, I carry a burden for you in my heart. I will not tell you that I pray for you every day. That would be a lie. But there will be days that God will place people I know, groups of people, or perhaps an unnamed soul on my heart. He’ll remind me of the work I was assigned to do on this earth. Today there are people on my heart from Florida, Pennsylvania, New Mexico, Minnesota, Virginia and throughout West Virginia. Folks I’ve met along the way that some how or another left pieces of themselves attached to my heart. Folks I may or may not remember the name, but I remember the impact, the smile, the testimony, the love.

Over the past months I’ve grown weary of feeling that my ministry was accomplishing very little. I haven’t been on the road to speak for some time and because of that I miss the face to face I have with people. When I wasn’t speaking, I would be singing, but I have fewer opportunities for that. Partly because I’m too busy to slow down and talk to people and partly because there are fewer and fewer churches holding revival meetings. Also creating a burden on my heart.

Has the need for special meetings stopped?

Covid did its fair share of damage to the church on so many different levels. People stopped shaking hands, stopped going to church, stopped having fellowships, etc, etc. But at some point we can’t blame Covid. At some point we just have to lay the blame at the feet of the people who have bought the lie that it’s a different era. There is a reason God put the words in the book:

Hebrews 10:25 KJVS
Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is ; but exhorting one another : and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.

Getting together is a big deal!

The Apostle Paul understood it. He said of the Philippians in 1:3-8 KJV
I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, [4] Always in every prayer of mine for you all making request with joy, [5] For your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now; [6] Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: [7] Even as it is meet for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart; inasmuch as both in my bonds, and in the defence and confirmation of the gospel, ye all are partakers of my grace. [8] For God is my record, how greatly I long after you all in the bowels of Jesus Christ.

He too remembered those he’d had fellowship with. He continued to pray for them, he knew that his ministry had stirred a desire in them to serve God too and he kept those people in his heart, longing to see them again.

Sunday services are wonderful and needful. Every single Sunday! But a special service brings with it a special meaning. It’s extra! Is God not worthy of the extra time, extra effort, extra attention to matters of prayer, salvation of souls and worship. I’ve been in services where the Lord came down in such a way I felt as if I could have physically touched Him if I would have tried. When I was at the most spiritually high point of my life it was when I didn’t have time to catch my breath between work, children, church, events, and then on top of it all I’d throw a revival or conference in and God would pour out His blessing on me. I wouldn’t have gas money and he’d provide. I wouldn’t have strength and it would bubble out of my soul! The messages that preacher or speakers would bring would encourage me so deeply…. Would to God we’d get our focus back as it should be.

Getting Stirred Up is a Big Deal!

I wonder how many people have never felt the Holy Spirit move? I don’t just mean a little tug on the heart, I mean when the Spirit moved to the point your whole world shifted.

Romans 15:13 KJVS
Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.

I’ve had that experience. I’ve had times when the Spirit of God moved in such a mighty way that it literally shifted my thought process to another realm. When things happened that could not have happened without the intervention of God. When God moved in a service in such a way that the tears started flowing from my eyes and were unstoppable. When I watched as the Spirit of God impressed upon person after person to hit the altar to pray, either for themselves or someone else. I heard the weeping and I’ve wept for them knowing God was doing something amazing.

Glory to God that today these memories of people, these memories of the Spirit, flooded back into my mind and I once again gloried in what God is capable of doing. It’s a big deal and it’s a privilege to be a child of God!!! It should not be taken for granted, and when doubts creep in praise God for the Spirit Who can revive the memory. Revive the Child of God. Revive the Church.

Getting Revived is a Big Deal!

Psalm 85:1-6 KJVS
Lord, thou hast been favourable unto thy land: thou hast brought back the captivity of Jacob. [2] Thou hast forgiven the iniquity of thy people, thou hast covered all their sin. Selah. [3] Thou hast taken away all thy wrath: thou hast turned thyself from the fierceness of thine anger. [4] Turn us, O God of our salvation, and cause thine anger toward us to cease. [5] Wilt thou be angry with us for ever? wilt thou draw out thine anger to all generations? [6] Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee?

God’s frustration with Israel caused Him again and again to take His hand off them. He’s far from done with them, but now He stands silent with the Nation of Israel. By the time God’s hand returns to them, it will be too late for those outside of Christ. It is why, when I read David’s prayer in verse [6] Wilt thou not revive us again: that thy people may rejoice in thee? My heart cries the same. Lord will You revive Your church again? Will You come down and stir the water inside the souls of your people? I know You can. You’ve done it before. But the flesh is weak and so many have lost sight of Your power.

My prayer today is for those places that I’ve visited, and for places yet to come, that God will stir us up with His precious Spirit and help us to focus on the work, and rely on Him to guide us to the soul ready to step into Heavenly places through the salvation of Christ. Lord bless them…. help them… guide them. Send excited souls into the midst and shut up the nay-sayers. Please Jesus…. Amen.

Send me Lord!!!

For speaking or singing information contact me at 304-377-6036, or message at talk2shari@gmail.com Let’s get this revival started!!!

Posted in Uncategorized

The Church of the Frigidaire

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Matthew 24:4-15 KJVS
And Jesus answered and said unto them, Take heed that no man deceive you. [5] For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. [6] And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. [7] For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. [8] All these are the beginning of sorrows. [9] Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake. [10] And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. [11] And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many. [12] And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold. [13] But he that shall endure unto the end, the same shall be saved. [14] And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come. [15] When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)

Those red letter words. They often bear more weight to the reader because they signify that these are words that Jesus spoke. But let’s put the reality pin in that map, every word in the word of God is the word of God. Did you catch that? Every word from Genesis to Revelation is the word of God. Written for our edification. There are words to be used for application, words to be used for doctrine and words that speak of future events that may or may not pertain to us directly. Words for Israel, words for the Gentiles and words for the Children of God saved by the grace of God through the belief of Christ and His work on the finished cross.

Matthew 24 is also the title of a song that used to be a part of my regular repertoire of music. But I have since taken it out upon the understanding that those words were being spoken to the Jewish Nation and were prophetic to the end times. Those words speak of a time when we, of the church of God, will be raptured from off of the earth; but they still bear weight for the Christian who understands that among the prophecy are nuggets of truth that bear witness in many ways.

Walter Truss, a preacher who has gone on to glory but he is so often on my mind, because he really blessed and added wisdom to my worship. You may or may not remember some of his wonderful quotes such as his warning to never become “The church of the Frigid-Aire.” Oh how he made my heart happy as he said those words in his deep southern tone and preacherized from his Pentecostal preaching days. But when I met him he was Baptist and respected the Baptist doctrine, though he never lost his Pentecostal fire!

So as we read Matthew 24 and break down the verses listed above, we can see where Walter may have gotten his quote of the Church of the Frigidaire. “[12] And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall wax cold.” Jesus warned the children of Israel not to be deceived by preachers of false doctrine or worry about the rumors of the day. That may be directed to the Jews in end times, but it is still true today. Iniquity does abound and the church is as cold as ice in most church houses.

My question us why? Why has the church lost its fire. There are those who have fire from an unbiblical sense, I realize that. But that does not justify the real church losing its real fire. What is “real fire”? I’m glad you ask. The book of 1 Thessalonians 5:1-28 is spoken by Paul and as I read it I feel the fire stir within my soul!

1 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you.
2 For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.
3 For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
4 But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief.
5 Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.

6 Therefore let us not sleep, as do others; but let us watch and be sober. 7 For they that sleep sleep in the night; and they that be drunken are drunken in the night.
8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for an helmet, the hope of salvation.
9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
10 Who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him.
11 Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do. 12 And we beseech you, brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you;
13 And to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves.
14 Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men.
15 See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
16 Rejoice evermore.
17 Pray without ceasing.
18 In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.
19 Quench not the Spirit.
20 Despise not prophesyings.
21 Prove all things; hold fast that which is good.
22 Abstain from all appearance of evil.
23 And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I pray God your whole spirit and soul and body be preserved blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
24 Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.
25 Brethren, pray for us.
26 Greet all the brethren with an holy kiss.
27 I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read unto all the holy brethren.
28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen

Does that sound like the words of a dried up old man?

I was commenting yesterday about someone on the 911 radio who was speaking too meek when dispatching an emergency. I couldn’t hear them well. I told a friend that they needed to learn how to project their voice. My friend said that I’d be a good one to provide that lesson! I guess that means I’m loud. But when it comes to the gospel, should the church not be an exciting place to be? Can you imagine hearing the Apostle Paul preach? Or whomever it was that was assigned to read this letter to the church, how do you suppose they read it? In a monotone method? I doubt that.

I grow weary of dead churches. It literally sucks the life out of me to see people sitting in a service with no emotion whatsoever. They are the church of the Frigidaire! I also understand that not everyone get’s excited. My Momma is one who is not a shouter. But I’ve seen the emotion in her. I’ve watched as the tears flowed down her face when she spoke of Jesus. I listened to my Dad testify and watched the tears stream down his face. My parents were never loud. But they raised loud children! I’m not saying you have to be. But the Spirit of God should stir your soul!

Glory to God I just wrote myself happy again!

I hope the fire of God stirs in your soul today! Blessings from the Jesus Chick.

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

Get in your Spot in the Yard and Guard it Well

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We have a new puppy at our house, Ellie May. She is basically a Heinz 57, but her breeds are Blue healer, Dachshund and Jack Russell. I guess that makes her a Gentile. My pure bread Miniature Chihuahua, Izzi, acts like an Old Testament Jewish leader, laying down the law. And though the pup already stands 2 or 3 inches above her, she is clearly the alpha dog of the house. The dogs and some other issues in my life have drawn my mind into the law a lot lately and caused me a much greater appreciation for grace.

One issue with Ellie May is boundaries. I attempted, unsuccessfully, to teach her the boundaries of our yard. But anything shiny would cause my discipline to go right out the window and she was not always easy to get back into our yard. Living close a highway forced us to put a shocking collar on her which was gut wrenching for me, but I knew it would save her life. Otherwise she’d be out in the road (again.) That shocking collar is the law. For Ellie it terrified her for a few days where she wouldn’t even go off the porch; and then little by little she has adjusted to where those boundaries are. She would not go near the dingle sound that occurs before the shock. But the collar base somehow got turned off this week and one evening Ellie was once again close the road. It didn’t take her long without the law to persuade her to go out past her boundary line.

Me either. Thank God for Grace.

Like Ellie May I’m a bit of a goober when it comes to learning lessons. I hate boundaries. The sky’s the limit, right? Well, only if God wants you in the sky, otherwise the fall is great. Adam had one rule, “Don’t eat of the tree of good an evil.” He did. When Israel received the law from Moses it was ten very clear rules. Nothing complex, or difficult to understand. It didn’t matter, they broke them anyway. The ten laws turned into 613. They broke those too. And now I don’t know where they stand with the law but for certain I say, Thank God for grace!!! If we can’t keep one rule, was there ever any chance for 613?

My point of that rant was to get to this point, what is the difference between modern Christianity and the Jewish law, besides grace. Depending upon which church you go into there may appear to be very little. Their hair may not be polled, they wouldn’t refer to the preacher as priest, but some do. The laws probably do not reflect those of the Old Testament and there’s likely sausage and bacon at a church breakfast. That’s grace I can bite into!

Recent (within the last few years)Halacha, the totality of laws and ordinances that have evolved since biblical times to regulate religious observances and the daily life and conduct of the Jewish people have been added to:

  • Hunchbacks must not bend near a church even if it hurts;
  • Lice must not be killed on Shabbat;
  • Hebrew newspapers must not be read on the toilet – English is allowed;
  • Jews must not donate organs to a Gentile – receiving is allowed;
  • It is permissible to degrade a woman on the kosher bus lines;
  • Violence may be used against those who distribute material contrary to the Torah.

Regarding the switching on of electrical appliances on Shabbat:

”Will ask for a foreigner who is not his son to do the work … Ask his son or daughter to do the work with shinui (change) … The big one will do the work himself with shinui, ie insert the plug into the socket with his mouth or elbow or back. You can also hold the plug and push it with your head into the socket.”

We Gentiles look at those and think… wow, how crazy is that?

But do the unsaved look at the denominations of the Christian church any differently?

  • Don’t clap at the end of a song.
  • Don’t raise your hand in praise
  • Don’t Amen or Hallelujah out of order
  • Women’s hair must not be cut
  • Don’t use a musical instrument in the church
  • Don’t sing praise songs
  • Women must wear dresses and of a certain length
  • Ministers must wear a white shirt, 
    tie, and dress coat
  • Men must not wear short pants
  • Women must wear skorts, not shorts
  • No wedding bands or other jewelry,
    other than watches, tie tacks, and 
    dress pins
  • No going to movies
  • No going to games
  • No going to theaters

Those are some I have experienced and some I have not, but what do any one of them have to do with salvation and should that not be the fundamental question when determining what happens in a church?

I’m sure there are many who disagree with me, and that’s okay. Remember, I said I had issues with boundaries, I am fully aware that I am a heathen.

When we get to Heaven does anyone really believe that as they stand before the throne of God, He’s going to say, “Did you seriously go see Smokey and the Bandit at the Theatre in 1977?” Is He going to ask, “why did you clap at the end of ‘God is an Awesome God’ when Sister Susie sang it in 2017, and by the way that’s a little jazzier than I like My music.” Come on people, that’s humanity, not God making rules. And before any Christians get their stones out of their pockets consider each and every word in Colossians 3 (well, I guess we should consider every word in the Word of God.) But for now lets just consider these:

Colossians 3:12-17 KJVS
Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; [13] Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. [14] And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness. [15] And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. [16] Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. [17] And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

The law is still there. Those original ten that God gave to Moses. And it may shock some of you as bad as Ellie’s shocking collar to know that God still expects them to be kept, but He knows and understands the weakness of every single man and woman on earth. Every one of them. Even the liberal extremist that get on my last nerve. He expects me to be the beloved with mercy, kindness, humility, meekness and long suffering. That means more than a few minutes of it. He expects His people to really forgive one another, not in word only, but in the heart. You know…. Like Christ forgave you when they hammered the nails over and over and over again into His body on the cross. And above all love one another, because that is the perfect way.

Now let’s move onto peace ruling in our hearts. Is it the rule? For certain it has not been with me lately. I need this scripture in my heart as I face the day. As I battle the demonic forces of the world that tell me to walk away from the church. The one’s that try to convince me that I can go it alone. I don’t need people. I just need Jesus. Well, that may work for someone one (although I doubt it), but it for certain doesn’t work for me. I love my people. And they love me, so why would I want to hurt them? I’m thankful God put them on my path.

Verse sixteen is the one that caught my eye this morning and caused my mind to ponder what the Lord meant. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” Teaching and “admonishing one another” in hymns and spiritual songs?

According to John Gil’s commentary, he says of this verse “in psalms, and hymns, and spiritual songs; referring very probably to the title of several of David’s psalms, משכיל; “Maschil”, which signifies giving instruction, or causing to understand; these psalms, and the singing of them, being appointed as an ordinance, of God to teach, instruct, admonish, and edify the saints; for the meaning of these three words, and the difference between them; see Gill on Ephesians 5:19.”

There is no ministry in the church that does not have purpose for not only the one doing the ministering but those who listen. If God gave us a gift, be it to preach, teach, sing, send a card or go pray with a saint, He did it for the purpose of either lifting a spirit, correcting a wrong, or edifying the body of Christ.

Today’s scripture edified me. It encouraged me to keep doing what I’m doing even in the face of adversity. How about you? Are you doing what God called you do? if you’re not, find you a biblical body of believers, set yourself in the middle of them and do what God says. Remember your boundaries… there are some, don’t let it shock you when God rolls you across the lawn and says get back in your spot. But if it’s your part of the yard… Guard it well.

Posted in Bible Journaling

A Message from a Dirt Dog

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I have to remind myself on a pretty regular basis that I’m a dirt dog. (Matthew 15:26-27). Lest I become like the frozen chosen and think that I am “holy.” Make sure you put the emphasis on the “o” when you say that, because that’s how people who put themselves above others say it. Or at least in my mind they do.

If I permit myself to get in the flesh, I begin to judge those I’m frustrated with, rather than remembering why I am frustrated and who I’m frustrated for. It ain’t me. Well, maybe it is a little.

John the Revelator. Banished to the isle of Patmos (Revelation 1:9) because they wanted to get rid of the troublemaker. This seams to be a theme in my world right now both in the secular and the religious sense. Both, because I let what’s in my heart roll out of my mouth without regard for who it may offend. And then I get offended because they’re offended. It’s a vicious cycle. I guess it’s true that the only thing that has changed with human nature is the time stamp for when it happened and what people are wearing.

Take a look at what John wrote to the church at Ephesus:

Revelation 2:1-7 KJVS
Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; [2] I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars: [3] And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name’s sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted. [4] Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love. [5] Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent. [6] But this thou hast, that thou hatest the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. [7] He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

There was works

John tells the church that he knew they’d been busy doing stuff. It was just that their “stuff” was of no effect on the world around them for eternity. This is where I have to be careful about throwing rocks. Because it’s been a while since I’ve won a soul to Christ too. I’m as fed up with myself as I am others. But I won’t let that deter me from stirring the waters that need to be stirred. Because in so doing, perhaps I’ll kick myself into gear.

There was patience

Patience is something I am very accustomed to. I have the patience of Job… at times. And then other times I want what I want when I want it. And I usually wanted it yesterday.

Commentator John Gill said of their patience “ This may refer to the ministers of the word, it may denote their patience in suffering reproaches and persecutions for the sake of the Gospel, which they bore patiently, cheerfully, and constantly; and in bearing the infirmities of weak saints, in their several communities; and in reclaiming and restoring persons out of the way; and in waiting for the success of their ministry, and their continuance and perseverance in it.

All noble characteristics. But there are times when patience should go out the window. Like when we are staring eternity in the face! I have lost my patience with vain, callous Christians who show up on Sunday morning and think their work is done. Those that think that knowing stuff is better than doing stuff. What good is it if it’s not put into practice?

There was Separation

Another wonderful character trait of the church, as long as you’re separated from the evil people. But when you are so far separated from the people of God and those who need God that you don’t understand what they’re in need of, you’ve gone too far.

A friend of mine mentioned cliques yesterday. I have always been the person “out of the clique.” I like it that way. Because that means nobody would ever think of me as unapproachable. I love saints and sinners because the conversations are always varying and they can always lead to Jesus if you’re in the right mindset. Sinners don’t mind talking about Jesus so long as the conversation is relatable. Don’t talk church, talk Jesus. Jesus will hopefully one day lead them to church, but they need to understand that they’re technically talking to the church, which is me. I love Saints who love to talk Jesus outside the church! I love it when a conversation leads to a scripture and you’re just blessed all over because God loves it when His children converse about Him.

I have a feeling that John was telling the Church of Ephesus, “Hey you’re doing good inside the church. But you’ve forgotten that you were called to work outside the church.

There was Resilience

I have always been one of the biggest cheerleaders of the church. But I’m telling you flat footed and eye to eye, my resilience had gotten almost transparent it was so thin. Resilience will only show itself in the battle. How else can it be seen unless it’s showing itself to be true. The church can only be resilient if they have soldiers in the battle. If their soldiers are back at the fort patting each other on the back and telling them how wonderful they are, who’s fighting the war?

I just made myself sick.

I’ve been on the verge of walking out of the fort, but not to the battle field. Just out… away from those who like to know stuff but don’t like to do stuff.

John closes that letter with this: “He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.“

I heard a preacher say not too long ago that the “Spirit of God wasn’t that voice in the back of your head.” My heart sunk. According to him the Spirit of God is only found in the Bible. In the Word of God. What? What happens when you don’t have the Bible in your hand? Can God no longer speak to you? What about the person who cannot read. Does God have nothing to say to them? I’ll leave that there. But let me close my message today with this. If it were not for the Spirit of God that dwells within the heart of this Jesus Chick, the same one that sat at the kitchen table yesterday morning ready to walk out on God, but had the Spirit speak to me through some music, and reminded a dear friend to call and say “Shari you are loved and you are worthy.” If not for that, my resilience would have gone from paper thin to non-existent. There is power in the word of God, yes there is!!!! I received it this morning. There is power in Spirit of God, I have received it often. And there is power in the people of God, but deed they got to get out more often.

Get out of the building and into the dirt!

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

Elementary Faith is in Living Color!

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on Elementary Faith is in Living Color!

My thoughts this morning went back fifty plus years. To a singlewide trailer, first at Leatherbark, WV (my earliest memory) 1966 ish and to another that sat on the bank of Duck Creek in 1969. Three bedrooms filled to the brim with not only five children and my parents, but multiple guests every weekend, Sunday’s were spent in church at Leatherbark and then Strange Creek. We moved to the big city a couple of years later to a house on 3211 Spruce Street, Parkersburg, West Virginia, and attended a little church on Murdock Avenue that might have held fifty people and has long since been torn down and replaced with “progress.” My parents moved every couple of years from the time they were married in the 1950’s until our family landed in Calhoun County in the 1970’s. It was here we stayed where my Father became Assessor and my Mother a social worker. The church I grew up in was Mt. Zion Methodist. That’s a brief history for the purpose of pointing you to the common thread in those georgraphical facts which was that there was never not a church involved in our move.

When I married, church was not a priority in my life until I had children; and then only because it seemed like the “thing I should do.” Scroll to 1996, the year of my salvation and that common thread once again ran through my fabric and hasn’t left. Up until 1996, I would say the thread was black and white like the old television screen. Constant but not very focused and a lot of static. In 1996 my faith became living color. It was literally as if a light had been turned on inside my dark brain and life suddenly made sense.

Faith in Living Color! That’s such a vivid image.

Discover the Difference! That was the theme of Victory Baptist Church when I joined there in 1996. There was assuredly a difference. God was celebrated every Sunday and the purpose of the people was to worship in Spirit and in truth. I had never experienced the Spirit moving like it was there. The church was not only in living color it was charged to a neon level of excitement.

1 Corinthians 3:16-23 KJVS
Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? [17] If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are. [18] Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. [19] For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. [20] And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain. [21] Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours; [22] Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours; [23] And ye are Christ’s; and Christ is God’s.

Do you know Who you Are?

[16] Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you?

It’s ironic that through the Spirit of God, even though He was not dwelling in me until 1996, I knew at the age of nine that I was meant for more. Now, I thought of that in a worldly sense. But that’s not what God had in mind. I was somebody, but not until I repented and gave that body to Christ. It was then all my childhood dreams became reality. I was content at being me, but then God gave me more. I became a singer, a speaker, a teacher, and God placed mentors all along the way. I had confidence never before experienced. It was amazing! But that’s my God!

Do you know You are Holy?

[17] If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

It is only through God that you are Holy, but if you are saved, you are Holy. In Old Testament times, God set aside everything in the temple with purpose. Every vessel was fabricated to specific details and was to be used in the service for which they were created. Hello? Will that preach or what? When I said I was nine and having covernations with God, that’s no joke. At that tender age God put a desire in my heart that He would later stir up through His Spirit and I became the Jesus Chick. A vessel of purpose in the Kingdom of God. And don’t think that it’s not been a battle. Satan has tried to pull me out of the house of God multiple times and many times almost succeeded. Satan knows if he can get me out of the service of the Lord, where people have seen me shine, I’ll be tarnished and unworthy for service.

Do you know what you were created to do?

[18] Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. [19] For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness. [20] And again, The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain.

I have never been the brightest crayon in the box, nor could I sing or speak in public prior to salvation. It wasn’t that i didn’t have the ability, I didn’t have the confidence or the skill. I am fully well aware that God gifted me and anoints me when I get up before people to do what I do. If I can get out of my head, and not allow the old Shari to creep back in that views an audience/congregation as eyes of judgement rather than souls in need. The wisdom of this world tells me I am less, The Spirit tells me I am all that’s needed in Christ.

Not everyone does what I do. But you have a gift and a purpose of God. Your gift may or may not be unlocked before or after salvation. Because mine was not, I knew it wasn’t intended to be used without the Spirit of God guiding it.

Do you know why you were created to do it?

[21] Therefore let no man glory in men. For all things are yours; [22] Whether Paul, or Apollos, or Cephas, or the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours; [23] And ye are Christ’s; and Christ is God’s.

A child of God is set apart from the world and yet, in the world. I have struggled with that concept for many years. The world is a harsh reality and can distract the mind to the point that the Spirit is drowned out. It’s made it’s way into the church which is why the vast majority are dead. They’re listening to a demonic notion that its fine to worship the created but not the Creator. It’s fine to trust man, but not the Spirit of God. Education is inspiration but the Spirit of God is a loss of control.

Do you think I sound bitter?

You may be right. I’ve had it up to my eyeballs with dead religion, a world educated to the point of idiocy when they dare ask me to believe man and woman are debatable, and a church sits idle with out so much as a breath of support for the Lord Jesus Christ outside the walls of the church. We’ve allowed the concept of public education to take over Spiritual guidance by the Lord Jesus Christ. I may be bitter, but I believe I’m better for it. Because it’s brought me to the realization that I must do what the Spirit leads me to do and I much search for the truth of the Spirit. Of course there’s a deceptive spirit in the world that would love to get me off kilter… But if I continue in His word, I’ll be fine. The word tells me that there was a group of believers that were excited and that turned the world upside down. I want to be that person. I want to follow the Spirit where He leads me. And if the church wants to sit in the pew like a knot on a log… well, I guess they’ll just be knot heads for Jesus. My children and grandchildren will see that God has never been been black and white but He is Living Color!

God bless ya! And Stay Alive!!!!