Tag: Word of God

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

Folks like us in the Church

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Jim Bush, Servant, Friend of God, Maker of Laughter

Since 2019 I have watched the decline of the church both locally and nationally and each Sunday I ask myself “why?” What happened to the people that called themselves friends of God  who now are no shows to His house causing the gospel of Jesus Christ to look as if it had no effect on their lives and was not worthy of their effort. That thought makes me physically ill. But it’s how I feel as I too struggle spiritually at times because I allow the world to consume my mind and my time. Like, every day to some extent.

I lost a good friend yesterday from our church who was so faithful. Before his illness he and I chided every Sunday over various things, and his most favorite thing in the world was to find mistakes in the bulletin. It made him gleefully happy! I would occasionally hand him a blank one so that he would have a mistake free bulletin, which was probably the only way he was going to get one from me. The bulletin is something I’ve done for greater than 20 years. Someone once ask me why I didn’t “let” someone else do the bulletin and offer them a chance to serve. Well, number one, nobody has ever expressed an interest and I won’t hold my breath til they do because it takes weekly dedication. And few people want the commitment of being relied upon in such a way. Jim, my friend who passed away, waited every Sunday morning to search that bulletin for mistakes like that was his job. I wouldn’t mind if someone else stepped in on his behalf. Because that too took dedication to the house of the Lord. I could always count on his wit and his joy and that meant as much as if he’d been their helping me to prepare it. I knew he appreciated my work.

The Old Folks

I now consider myself to be an elder, not in title but in age in the church. I love when the kids have an expectation of me to know something scripturally or show respect to me through their actions and words. The Apostle John wrote to Gail’s in 3 John as an elder who loved and respected his co laborer in Christ Jesus.  

3 John 1:1-8 KJV

[1] The elder unto the wellbeloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth. 

Obviously Gaius was someone that everyone loved. No doubt a wonderful servant of God who could be depended upon and who John loved in the truth. The truth of God’s word and the study and sharing of it. John lived through the gospels. He wrote one of the gospels! What a privilege Gaius would have had to call him friend. I feel much the same way about the people who have stuck it out through the pandemic. Faithful servants of God who have never wavered.  At every given opportunity they’ve been in their place in the church serving and gratefully doing so. Excited to learn more about God and looking for openings to serve. They are not abundant but I’m so grateful they still exist. 

The Busy Folks

[2] Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth. [3] For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth. [4] I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.

Gaius was a doer of the word. I pray that would be said of me. It was certainly said of Jim. There wasn’t a church event that Jim wasn’t in the thick of doing his part. He walked in the truth. The church wasn’t just a place he went to fulfill his spiritual obligations, it was where he went because he was apart of that family and when he got saved, he was saved to serve, not sit.  I also had the privilege of witnessing his salvation. He literally wrestled at the altar and when he stood up his hair was going every direction! we laughed about that for a long time and so did he. There is joy in serving the Lord, and Jim was proof. 

The Faithful Folks

 [5] Beloved, thou doest faithfully whatsoever thou doest to the brethren, and to strangers; [6] Which have borne witness of thy charity before the church: whom if thou bring forward on their journey after a godly sort, thou shalt do well: [7] Because that for his name’s sake they went forth, taking nothing of the Gentiles. [8] We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellowhelpers to the truth.

Fellow helpers. That is my friends of Victory Baptist Church. Since the Corona there’s not as many of us, but we are blessed to still be above the norm. They are along for journey and not they’re not carpet baggers. You know, the people who show up for what they can gain from a group and leave when they’ve gotten enough. 

When would you ever get “enough” of God. 

I never have enough. I want to be in His presence all day every day. And when I’m not, I know it’s because I’ve shut him out. I’m not casting stones at those who have failed to stay faithful. I genuinely miss them.  

I had to grin when I read the next verses where John called a fellow out for not being who he should have been. 

3 John 1:9-10 KJV

[9] I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not. [10] Wherefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds which he doeth, prating against us with malicious words: and not content therewith, neither doth he himself receive the brethren, and forbiddeth them that would, and casteth them out of the church.

John can to that. He’s the great Apostle John after all. I’ll call no one out because in truth I’m no better than anyone else, I just show up in spite of my failures. Diotrephes loved to be considered for all his greatness. I just want to be considered a friend of every single person in the congregation of the Lord. If you’re out of church. Please know that you are missed. If you’re attending some where else, God bless ya! If you’re not, please come back and celebrate the Lord with us. Amen!

Posted in Christian, Church attendance, Leadership, Life Inspiration, Purpose, Word of God

The Truth About Titles

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on The Truth About Titles

Perhaps it’s a known fact about me, or perhaps it’s little known, but truth none the less, I like titles. I like being acknowledged as a person of purpose. I’ve always wondered about the difference between purpose and passion. Not of stature, because that to me seems arrogant, but I like the fact that in any given organization I have purpose and evident works with outcomes. It is the fabric of who I am. Who God created me to be. So in the study of Paul’s writings, I found it interesting that Thessalonians is the only one that Paul didn’t acknowledge his title of Apostle, or status as servant or prisoner of Christ. He simply listed his name with the others who were with him as he wrote to the church in Thessalonica. 

One hundred years ago or less, I worked for the local newspaper in town, the Calhoun Chronicle. It’s a small weekly paper with a circulation of less than 3,000 where I was Advertising Manager. It was my first ever job with an official title and it was one of my fav’s! It was there that I found a passion for publicity that would serve me well throughout the years. The Editor at the time was Merrill Pollack. A retired editor for the New York Times, and to say he was quite the character wouldn’t do him justice! He was also the first boss who treated me as an equal and brought joy into our lives every day with his story telling ability and his vast experience in the media. 

Depending upon the tasks of the day, Merrill would retitle us accordingly. If we were going shopping, we were fashion editors, if we were going out to lunch we were food editors, he was so much fun to work with. He shared his vast amount of knowledge with us without any sense of arrogance, but rather exuberance in handing it down to the next generation.  

While I’m not sure Paul would have been as crazy as Merrill, I imagine him to have been a zealot and more to share his vast amount of knowledge with others. As Saul he had allowed religious authority to consume him; but as Paul he was just as humbled as he was proud in his previous position. But never lacking confidence! Would to God I was such a one. I lack confidence every day, which may be why titles are important. I guess I’m self diagnosing my psyche. 

The first chapter of 1 Thessalonians is packed so full! The Bible never ceases to amaze me how God can use just a few words to express so many important truths. 

1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 KJV

[1] Paul, and Silvanus, and Timotheus, unto the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ. [2] We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; [3] Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; [4] Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God. 

The lack of a title came with a few concepts from the commentary’s but no real explanation. Just something to take note of. Perhaps it was a either because he was well known by this church, having been lately with them; or lest these young converts should be offended and stumble at any pompous title, which they might imagine carried an appearance of arrogance and pride; or because there were as yet no false apostles among them, who had insinuated anything to the disadvantage of Paul, as in other places, which obliged him to assert his character and magnify his office. We won’t know until we get to Heaven and ask him ourselves, if it ever comes up. 

Paul then moves on to the matter at hand that was all important to him, the Lord Jesus Christ. That is his purpose and he gives great thanks that it is their purpose as well. They are laboring in love, and patience of hope in the eyes of God, showing evidence of God’s purpose for having made them of the elect. That too is my focus this morning as I prepare my heart for church. 

I have carried the title “Sunday School Teacher,” proudly for 20 years. But over the past few weeks I stepped out of that position and back into the position of student of the word in the adult class. I really, really struggled with that decision. Until yesterday when I realized the great level of peace I had and excitement for being in a class of my own. There is a time to teach, and a time to listen, and this is my time.  I pray that you have that place of learning. It’s important in these troubled times to have a good understanding of the word and what’s going on around us. How does it effect us, and some things that shouldn’t effect us.  

I pray today finds you in the Lord’s house, hearing His word and having it stir your soul. Grace and peace to you… from the Lord and Shari, His servant. A title I carry proudly.

Posted in Christian, Evangelism, Faith, Uncategorized, Word of God

What makes me want to Walk

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If it were possible to walk off this planet and return, I’d do it multiple times a day. And I think I’d be better for it spiritually. If I could just get away from the insanity we call living I’d be a better person, I’m sure of it. Last night in the children’s program, one of the littles ask me “how old I was?” I quickly replied “59.” To which another child replied, “Wow, our teacher at school won’t ever tell us how old she is.” But I’m proud of the number of years God has given me on this earth. Every year I survive is a trophy, especially after the heart attack. But right now, in this age, I have to say that eternity gets sweeter by the second because I want to lay hands on people just about that often. “

This “me first” society has gotten so out of control that the only way I can see it becoming remotely sane again, is if God does something drastic to cause it. That’s a scary thought. And even then, the reaction to any kind of catastrophic event would likely be “me first” to the point of extinction. Yep, that’s the path my mind is on this morning. I got up at 4 a.m. which is typical, only wasted an hour scrolling social media before getting my heart right and turning to the word of God, which I’m sometimes worse. But my mind still labored to turn off yesterday. There were things people said, frustrations expressed, and the flesh rearing it’s ugly head like the snake it is on multiple occasions. And that was me, I won’t even tell you what other people did. And all the while, I’m trying my best to serve the Lord. I more often than not think of myself as the crumbs in a bag, more so than “all that and a bag of chips.” But I have days that I want to go to heaven, push anyone out of my way that’s between God and I and say, “Excuse me, but it’s my turn!” There’s actually nobody between God and I except the people that I put there all the time when I stress this mess we’re living in. But it would just be so nice if I could walk off the planet, and into the throne room of God and have a conversation with Him face to face and allow Him to restore my sanity that the world sucks out of me. 

And then I read this:

Galatians 6:1-9 KJVS
[1] Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. 
[2] Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. 
[3] For if a man think himself to be something, when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.
[4] But let every man prove his own work, and then shall he have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. 
[5] For every man shall bear his own burden. 
[6] Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. 
[7] Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.
[8] For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. 
[9] And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.

So if I Shari quoted that scripture in a way that my mind could really get ahold of it and apply it my life I would say it like this. 

(1) Brothers and sisters, if there are stupid people in your presence, and you are saved, try to help them get their lives together and do it without pretending you’re holy, because you are they, if it were it not for God’s grace.
(2) After that, help them where you can, as Christ has done for you as an example.
(3)Do not think you’re all that and bag of chips, you’re the crumbs.
(4)But do what God would have you do,  and don’t worry about what others are doing, or not doing. 
(5)You have enough troubles in your own life to keep you busy. 
(6)Take care of the people who teach and preach, spiritually and monetarily. 
(7) Don’t be so stupid as to think God’s not aware of what’s going on. He’ll take care of both those who do good, and those who don’t. 
(8)The “me too” society you’re living in will receive in kind what they’re giving out. 
(9) So, don’t try to walk off the planet. In due time, your day will come. 

That my friends is some serious liberty taken with the Word of God. But that’s what I felt this morning as I read Galatians 6.

When I say I want to walk off the planet. It’s not from the people I love. Or even the responsibilities that God has given me. Those are good times. But this worldly influence that can make even a good person selfish, and unconscious of their effect on others make me want to go to the highest hill and yell, “Gabrielle, blow the horn!” And you know how I hate to walk! But desperate time call for desperate measures. That is why I’ll continue you on gleaning from every opportunity God allows.
Posted in Christian Service, Church attendance, Evangelism, Faith, Leadership, Life Inspiration

The Greatest of Educators

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I watched yesterday as someone touted their own greatness because of a college degree. I’m not making light of the hard work that is applied to getting a degree, but what complicates this subject for me is when people pay good money for their minds to be corrupted by worldly educators who teach self focus and ungodly principles to live by.  If you disagree that is fine, and if you survived unscathed by higher education I praise God for that, and this blog isn’t even about the worldly education system. Today is brought to you by the Holy Spirit. The best, and only worthwhile Educator that currently resides in this world. 

Titus 2:1 KJVS

[1] But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:

This world is so corrupt that I have no doubt that even the most pure of mind struggles. For the record, that’s not me. I struggle on a good day. Scroll two seconds on social media and something corrupt will be before your eyes and ears. Then one might ask, why do you expose yourself to it? Because mingled in with the world of tares is a bushel of wheat that loves Jesus. 

Matthew 13:25 KJVS

[25] But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.

This is why it’s so important to stay in the word of God. It is pure and undefiled. It is full of nothing but truth and righteousness and through it the Holy Spirit speaks to us and gives us the greatest of all education. Because of it, I can live in this world and look out at the vast fields of earth, and see God’s goodness and I can continue on in sound doctrine, knowing that I am privileged to have unlimited knowledge dwelling within my soul. Is that not the wildest, most wonderful thought? For someone who wrestles with self worth, the Holy Spirit is a touch of Heaven. As I wrote this morning I didn’t feel “less.” Because He makes me feel “more.” He gives me purpose in the day which is to tell the world what Jesus has done in my life. Not to “tout” my own achievements, but to glorify God.

So this morning I speak the sound things that have become sound doctrine in my life and will serve to protect me from the evil of the day. 

Were it not for Grace…

Titus 2:11-15 KJVS

[11] For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, [12] Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; 

I cannot look at the word grace without seeing the acronym “God’s Riches at Christ’s Expense.” The wealth of God given to “all” men by their acceptance of what His Son did for them on the cross. It’s so simple, which is why so many in the world have trouble accepting it. It allows no room for their works or their glory which is what the world teaches us to seek. Humility is not the new black. It’s never been an “in” color. And I love color! Imagine the joy that Joseph had when his father gave him the coat of many colors that aggravated his brothers. 

Genesis 37:3 KJVS

[3] Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colours.

They knew Joseph was the favorite and viewed him as a threat. The same reason Satan has sought to destroy Jesus from birth and men and women of the world would rather have religion than the relationship. Religion puffs a soul up, relationship with Christ humbles the heart.

Were it not for Hope…

[13] Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; 

Every day I’m looking and listening for the trump of God to sound. I want it now, but also later. I have family and friends who do not know Christ and when the trumpet sounds, and the church disappears from off this earth, my heart sinks in the knowledge that they’ll know why we’re gone. They’ll know because they’ve heard me talk about it. There will be many people on this earth who won’t know because they’ve either failed to hear, or they’ve never been told of what’s coming, or should I say Who’s coming in the clouds of Glory!

1 Thessalonians 4:16-18 KJVS

[16] For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: [17] Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. [18] Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

Were it not for Hope they’d be no comfort.

Were it not for Redemption…

[14] Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. [15] These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

Talk about an expensive education. Mine cost Jesus His life. How dare I allow anyone to look down at me or despise me when the Creator of all the universe gave His life for mine. It is when my relationship with Christ suffers that my self worth suffers. If I’m not reading the word or being encouraged through preaching and other gospel means, I’m a walking target for Satan and his minions to pummel my mind with vile thoughts. And so are you!

An education should lead to purpose. Too many Christians get saved and then begin the wait for Christ’s return. But rather than serving they just sit. They sit in church on Sunday morning, and if they’re die hard’s they’re back on Sunday night and Wednesday. They sit in Sunday School to learn the word, but seldom use the knowledge. I guess they’ll stand before God one day and hope to recite it. And God will pat them on the head and send them skipping down the streets of Heaven. I want to hear, “Well done thou good and faithful servant!” I want to hear God say, “Thank you for your zealousness!”

I hope this word comforted your heart in this trying world. I sure do love Jesus. And I sure do love you. 

Posted in Christian, Eternity, Evangelism, Life Inspiration, Purpose, Word of God

I’ve been reading Israel’s Mail

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Psalm 46, a Psalm I’ve heard quoted and one that I myself have quoted with little regard to the context. But with the current state of affairs in our Nation, suddenly scripture that once encouraged my gentile heart, now points my heart toward eternity and the word toward Israel. Our Pastor’s been doing an amazing study on end times and drawing our minds into the word of God, in ways that cause us to look at scripture, and wonder why it had not been so obvious before. 

Psalms has always been an attractive read for me because of its poetic nature. And that perhaps has been my downfall for understanding. I looked at the eloquence of the words more so than the meaning. With that compass pointing a solid north for me this morning, I delved into Psalm 46 as if I was reading it for the first time. 

Psalm 46:1-11 KJVS

[1] God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. [2] Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea; 

Verse one may be one of the most quoted scriptures of all times. And for certain the application can be made to every child of God! He has never forsaken me in a day of trouble, for which I’ve had many. I would still put that on my wall today and call it good; but it’s not written to me. I’m reading Israel’s mail. When I have continued on to verse two, I’ve read it metaphorically. After all, I have yet to see the mountains of West Virginia carried into the sea. But there will come a day when this scripture will be in the literal sense; and those who read it then, who see it live and in action for themselves, will hang onto every word of God as if it’s a life raft, which it will be. Israel will be those people. 

 [3] Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah. [4] There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High. 

The upheaval  we see in our nation and others now will be nothing compared to the upheaval of end times. The mountains referred to in this passage are metaphorically speaking of the  kingdoms and the water  speaks to peoples and nations as it does in Revelation 17:15

 Revelation 17:15 KJVS

[15] And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues. 

So the waters roaring in verse 3 are equivalent to the nations in uproar in verse 6.  We have witnessed in 2020 how quickly nation can turn against nation. How quickly the land of the free and the home of the brave  can become a nation of cowardly jailers who lock up or shut up anyone who disagrees. If you are a liberal of mind, you can say that  i’m wrong, but you can offer no evidence to back up your argument. If you happen to be a conservative who doesn’t believe me, give back your badge, you’re out of the club. 🤪 I brought that up as evidence to the quick changing of times for which we have been warned about. Living in denial (which I personally love) does not stop prophecy. Woah. That should be on a tee shirt. 

For reference I point to 1 Thessalonians 5:1-4 KJVS

[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.

As I continue on I read that the mountains shaking, tumbling, or dissolving (v2, 3, 6) are equivalent to kingdoms falling (v6). This is similar to the picture painted in Micah 1:3-4:

Micah 1:3-4 KJVS

[3] For, behold, the Lord cometh forth out of his place, and will come down, and tread upon the high places of the earth. [4] And the mountains shall be molten under him, and the valleys shall be cleft, as wax before the fire, and as the waters that are poured down a steep place.

If God Himself comes down out of the heavens, He whose hand can span the heavens, what damage might He do to the earth? When Jesus came to earth He came in the form of a man; the foot prints He left on this earth were of no greater stature than that of ordinary men. But end times is a game changer for the earth and God can return in any form He so chooses. Praise His holy name, the church will have been called home. Yes! I am pre-trib.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 KJVS

[13] But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. [14] For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him. [15] For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. [16] For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: [17] Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. [18] Wherefore comfort one another with these words.

Now, on with my study…

[5] God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early. 

A new friend gave me a gift yesterday which is what drew me into his scripture. And it was this verse in particular. I adore gift, the giver and the scripture. God is in the midst of me, in m very soul and i shall not be moved! But in context this speaks to God being in the midst of Israel. Right in the thick of end times. There are those in this world that are naive enough to believe that they will have power over God’s people. Foolish, foolish mortals read the end of the book!

[6] The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted. [7] The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah. [8] Come, behold the works of the Lord, what desolations he hath made in the earth. [9] He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire. [10] Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. [11] The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

Verse 10 is yet another verse we find on walls, bible covers and note cards. And yet i doubt there is any person on this earth that would want to live through whats happening when these verses are being played out. 

While reading, and receiving encouragement from the word of God is always a blessing, bible study and understanding will bring God’s purpose for it into perspective. So, even though i had always  opened Israel’s 🇮🇱 mail by mistake, it was good to read and reflect on how God used the psalmist to share prophecy that will encourage us to get busy for the King!

Posted in Christian, Christian Service, Eternity, Evangelism, Grace, Life Inspiration, Uncategorized

Sharing God’s Bounty

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Here it is, 9:30 Tuesday morning and I’m just getting in tune with God. It’s not that I’ve been totally useless this morning, I did a little laundry folding, took a couple of grands to school after fixing them a highly nutritious breakfast…. Okay it was filled donuts,… but hey, they didn’t go to school hungry. So I consider that a win! My grandparenting skills are no better than my parenting skills, except I,m a tad calmer. Or perhaps I’ve confused calm with weak.

So my last few days went something like this… I left for Pennsylvania on Friday, turned a four hour drive into a five hour drive by getting lost,which was a win because of the fall country scenes.  I did a conference from 8 to 4 on Saturday and then drove home fours hours and fell in to bed. I got up at 6 am Sunday, did the bulletin and the PowerPoint and headed off to church where I taught Sunday school and met some favorite cousins from Florida for worship. Went to my sisters for lunch and then to a football game for my grandson, but only until it was time to leave for church. Went back to evening service and then home for a few hours before bed. I did five loads of laundry before 10 a.m. on Monday and then did my live feed on Facebook. Went and did an art project for my daughter at 11:30 and then off to the nursing home to sing at two p.m. Picked the grands up from school, fixed burgers and fries for supper collapsed for a few hours before bed and now I’ve pretty much filled you in on my life. 

I’d love to tell you that it’s not my norm, but it is. Which is why I found my mind in a weary place today. Not sad, not troubled… weary. Perhaps you feel my pain.

Paul felt it. And at a much more extreme level than myself. So to myself, I say, “Suck it up buttercup.”

REAPIN’ AND SOWIN’

Galatians 6:8-14 KJVS

[8] For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. [9] And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. 

It is sad to say, that there were many wasted hours within my days. Time that I could have invested much wiser. I know God understands but for all my well doing, I’m a hot mess more often than not. So how can I refresh this weary soul? This morning I’m looking at Paul’s advice to the Galatians and trying to imagine if he had dropped by my house along the way to encourage me. Can you imagine! 

It feels a little like that as I read his words. He has put the prize of life everlasting before me and said. “ Don’t grow weary! There’s going to be plenty of time to rest on the other side. As fast as time is flying down here, I know he’s right, but there needs to be some hoeing to go with that reaping and sowing.

HEAPIN’ AND HOEIN’

[10] As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith. [11] Ye see how large a letter I have written unto you with mine own hand. [12] As many as desire to make a fair shew in the flesh, they constrain you to be circumcised; only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. [13] For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh.

When I think of gardening (since I am an experienced farmer now 😂) part of the fun is having a bounty to share. I can’t say that my two 8×12 foot  patches heaped enough to share, but spiritually speaking can I say that I have heaped enough of the word of God into my soul and hoed the ground around it.  I know my metaphorical speaking is tough this morning but it’s where I’m at! How well have I tilled the ground when it comes to in depth study so that I have a good root foundation to make a harvest. 

Paul’s words have me pondering that. I want to study harder so that when I speak it’s with a greater passion and less weariness. Part of the reason I am so weary is the guilt I put upon myself for being so unproductive, and yet, that’s part of what Paul warned about when he pointed them to the religious crowd insisting upon circumcision. Works make us weary. But building our relationship with God and His people is a worthy invigorating harvest. 

My life is BUSY! But this mornings focus on tilling my own ground has renewed my Spirit. I pray you find some time to focus on God today too!

Posted in Bible Journaling, Evangelism, Faith, Uncategorized

Have you thanked your Pastor?

Written by talk2shari Published



October is Pastor Appreciation month! Have you shown your Pastor the appreciation they deserve?There is so much more to be being a Pastor than most of the congregation understands, which is primarily because most people only think about the Pastor one day a week, unless there is a wedding, funeral or illness.  If you ask many people how many days a week they believe their pastor to work, they’d say one or two. Again, a misunderstanding on the life of a Pastor. 

I have the advantage of knowing Pastor’s from all across the globe. There is certainly a difference in how the ministry is approached dependent upon the region the Pastor lives in. America is a blessed Nation, but even here geographical location matte rs. My Pastor moved from a larger city in Florida to very, very rural West Virginia. His prior location had more people in one city than we have in our entire county. Our population is less than 7000 and it’s scattered throughout paved and unpaved roads. My friend Dewey who lives in the vastly populated city of Albuquerque, New Mexico, traveled four hours on a Sunday morning to get to a church in a scarcely populated area. Four hours!!! What would cause a man to do that? A Pastor’s heart. 

In the King Jams version of the Bible I looked up the word “pastor” for relevant texts to begin my journey into today’s post. 

The word “Pastor” is only mentioned nine times throughout the entire bible. (Yes there are other variations, but the title Pastor only nine times) and eight of those were in the book of Jeremiah. Six of those eight verses are not in a favorable light! The final verse is Ephesians 4:11

Ephesians 4:11 KJVS

[11] And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;

With the charge to follow in verse 12

Ephesians 4:12 KJVS

[12] For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:

Perfecting doesn’t mean to make us perfect without sin, but rather equipping us with what we need to continue on in this world. That doesn’t sound like a part time job to me! Not in the world we live in. God didn’t just give Pastor’s that responsibility, He added ministers of the gospel to the work as well and all to feed the body of Christ. A call to my own life through Pastor’s who rightly divide the word of God.

Yesterday afternoon I went to the Nursing Home to minister in song to the residents. Because of Covid I’m no longer allowed to interact with the residents. I walk through a back entrance into the hallway of the unit and sit in a chair with a microphone that is tapped into headsets on the long term care as they sit in their rooms. It’s not ideal for me, but at least I’m there. As I sang a little lady popped her head out of her room which was on my end of the hall. She whispered, “can I set with you?” I motioned to a chair sitting across the hall from me and told her I wouldn’t tell if she wouldn’t. I had forgotten my usual repertoire of songs, so I had borrowed their “heavenly highway hymn” book and was content to sing from it. She sang every tune with me and tapped her little foot and it was such joy to be apart of her day if only for a few minutes. I’m not a Pastor, but I am a minister and privileged to be so. 

When a Pastor “perfects” the body of Christ, he’s equipping them to go out and minister the gospel as well. 

The problem Jeremiah had in his day, is the same problem we have in churches across the country today. Jeremiah gave warning in Jeremiah 23:2 KJVS

[2] Therefore thus saith the Lord God of Israel against the pastors that feed my people; Ye have scattered my flock, and driven them away, and have not visited them: behold, I will visit upon you the evil of your doings, saith the Lord.

There’s plenty of fault to go around both from lazy congregations and lazy pastors as to why the church hasn’t kept the true calling as Paul described in Ephesians. I’m not pointing fingers (today anyway) I’m just throwing this thought out in hopes of dinging a few church bells. We need to thank our Pastor’s and Praise God for those who work in the labor of the Lord. Who understand the accountability for souls and take it serious. We need to encourage each other to share the work load… and it is a load of work!

Every day is another opportunity to examine our lives and see what we can do to improve our relationship with the Lord. Today, we can start by taking a few minutes to thank the preacher. Get the love train going for our church leaders!!!  

Posted in Christian, Church attendance, Faith, Life Inspiration

The Saddest Words

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on The Saddest Words

I’m not so sure that I’m not guilty of calloused ears when it comes to the news. Almost nothing shocks me anymore. I try not to look at images, because those I cannot get out of my mind, but words, they just make weary. Not the gospel! I cannot read it without feeling the Spirit bubble up in my soul. But I guess not everyone is like that, or perhaps they just don’t read, else the Spirit would convict them for leaving God’s side. I’ve had that experiences as well. But the world right now is so calloused to not only the news, but to anything that doesn’t directly effect them. And that for certain is not a new story. 

In the book of Isaiah, God has a conversation with Isaiah that I fear we are seeing repeated, but this time it’s with Christians, not Israel. 

Isaiah 6:9-12 KJVS

[9] And he said, Go, and tell this people, Hear ye indeed, but understand not; and see ye indeed, but perceive not. [10] Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes; lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their heart, and convert, and be healed. [11] Then said I, Lord, how long? And he answered, Until the cities be wasted without inhabitant, and the houses without man, and the land be utterly desolate, [12] And the Lord have removed men far away, and there be a great forsaking in the midst of the land.

A great forsaking. SADDEST. WORDS. EVER. 

As I understand it when the Lord removed men far away, it speaks to the Lord allowing the Jews, by means of the Romans, to be carried away captive out of their own land, and dispersing them among several nations of the world as judgment for their sins.  While few Christians in America would consider themselves captives, their deceiving themselves. They may not be bound by man, but they are for certain bound by this world and God continues to allow them to get further and further away.

Unlike Jesus who’s parables we remember, I sometimes have problems making my metaphorical writing easily understood. I hope that not to be the case today. 

Sunday after Sunday I listen as my own pastor preaches the gospel as it’s been given to him, studying to rightly divide the word, preaching with great passion. Then I wonder “How can people not feel the need to come to church and support the ministry of Victory Baptist Church, but more importantly show their love for God? Their ears, or perhaps it’s their hearts have become calloused. It doesn’t effect them like it does those who are actively seeking a relationship with God. But the price they’re paying is far greater than they could possibly understand, else they’d be in their pew where they belong.

We are experiencing a great forsaking and many of them aren’t even aware they’ve forsaken God and just as He did Israel, God let them go, let them be captured. This world has calloused their minds and hearts to the understanding that they’ve even drifted away. They think their fine. They think their family is fine. They know the world has problems, but it’s not “their” problems, right? 

As time marches on and the day of the great calling away of the church draws nearer it’s going to be eternally their problem. If they’re saved, truly saved, meaning that they believe in the death, burial and resurrection of Christ and the fact that He was and is the only payment for our sin debt, then they’ll be in Heaven. Possibly regardless, but there none the less. But what scares me about people out of church is that I don’t have proof of their relationship with God, and I’m not so sure they have one, else why wouldn’t they be in church. So when the Lord calls His church home, will they be there? I don’t know. That thought makes my stomach roll over in a sickened state. And if, praise God, they are a child of God, what about their family that have watched them forsake the Lord and make no importance of a relationship with Him, what about them, will they be there? God helps us to realize that the falling away of the church is a falling that sending people we love into the pits of Hell for eternal separation. If that does not stir the heart of a child of God, you are in serious trouble spiritually. 

I’ll leave today’s post with this thought. Pray for America. Pray that the world calloused minds soften and the churches fill one again with the children of God. Pray for revival. Start with your own. Then spread the word! Amen!

Posted in Christian Service, failure, Faith, Forgiveness, Life Inspiration

You’re Not Alone

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on You’re Not Alone

I had no sooner gotten into bed last night, when the lyrics to a song began to run through my head. It’s been another rough week, spiritually speaking. And truthfully the lyrics came from a dark place inside my mind where I allow thoughts to gather and attack my peace. Am I alone? I kind of doubt it, which not so coincidentally is the title of the song, “I’m not alone.” One of my favorite lines in the lyrics is “A saint is just a sinner who fails yet still believes.” 

It’s never been a secret that I struggle with confidence. I push through it because I know God has called me to serve Him in front of people, and so I do. Flaws and all. But then there are days when someone looks at me wrong, or says something, for which they likely gave no thought, but it cuts me to core and I’m feeling less. I know that I’m less than I could be, but I feel less than I am, and that’s down right pathetic! I’m self critical, I fail God daily, and the tole it takes is running me down spiritually and causing me to run from God. 

Let me just say… that’s a bad idea. 

So why does God choose to use me in spite of it all. I have only one answer that makes any sense. I’m my own sermon illustration. 

If you don’t take notes in church, you should. It will make the sermon connect with you better if you write down key points that speak to your heart. I need life application preaching, because I know that God doesn’t say anything without purpose and when I hear the preacher speak, I know it’s going to be something I need for my spiritual tool kit this week. Maybe that’s what this blog is for you today, it’s a spiritual tool kit.

One of the things that the preacher said Sunday was “Satan comes after us with the things we agree with.” He can captivate our attention with that and distract us from the work of God for hours. P.R.E.A.C.H.! That is me in a nutshell. He distracts me by allowing me to get hung up on things I have no control over. Like churches not preaching the gospel, or self righteous people, or what about politics? Satan doesn’t care if I go on a tyrannical posting jag over things like that. If I’m on those subjects, I’m not winning souls or encouraging someone in their faith.   I’m also not focusing on my own flaws. Hello? 

So this morning I just wanted to remind you, if you’re feeling like a failure, you’re not alone. That too is something Satan will pack his arsenal full of to keep you down. I’m fighting my way back out of that hole, I’ve been there so much lately I keep snacks in there so I don’t get hungry. I ain’t lyin!

Here’s my game plan.

Face reality… what ever it is.

Let God work through it and you pray.

Commit to faithfulness to His word. (READ!)

That’s a game plan that will work… I just keep forgetting. 

Romans 8:31-39 KJVS

[31] What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? [32] He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? [33] Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God’s elect? It is God that justifieth. [34] Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. [35] Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? [36] As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. [37] Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. [38] For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, [39] Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Posted in Christian, Christian Service, Life Inspiration

The Truth About You

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on The Truth About You

My frustration mounts daily. Certainly with myself and also for my people. There are times that I truthfully don’t understand why God has not taken me home already. And then there are times when I know my purpose and God’s eternal plan, I make every attempt to accomplish the goals He sets before me and by the time I jump through the hoops of the day and work my way around the obstacles of life, I collapse in exhaustion. And such is life. But my frustration for the people in my life for which I care about has been hitting an all time high. And then I hear a statement like that made of David O’Steen, a visiting preacher to our church and I’m back in the battle again. Armed with the Word of God and ready to take on the toughest case.

“God did not put us on this earth so we’d have a beautiful place to leave for Hell from.”  – David O’Steen. That’s a very simplistic thought with some deep doctrinal truth that I need to share today with the people I love.

It’s not a statement that takes a philosophical thinker. It should be a statement that makes common sense. And the great danger in not understanding this simple truth is the wrath of God.

Hold On to the Truth

Romans 1:18-20 KJVS

[18] For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; 

In this world where the truth is a rare commodity, it’s hard to know what is truth and what is lie. With one exception. The word of God is absolute undeniable truth. Whether or not a person believes it is truth doesn’t change the fact that it is. The denial of that will reveal the wrath of God because it is an ungodly and unrighteous act to say that scripture is questionable. Is it a sin to question God? I have certainly questioned God with why He allows things to happen. That’s human nature. But to read the word of God and question it’s validity is to call God a liar. And as a fully human person, I am certain that I have questioned why God did what He did in many of the books of the Bible. But I don’t question that He did it. And as for the moral compass that is within each verse and chapter, if a person lived by it, how wonderful their life would be. Speaking from the experience of not living by it like I should and suffering the consequences. 

Wrath however is different than consequences. I see consequence for sin as a child of God as worldly suffering. Wrath can come when you have denied the Word of God, questioned His legitimacy and you will find yourself in the hands of God and He is angry. The same Who spoke the world into existence can speak you out of it. 

I will hang on to the truth. That is also my recommendation to you.

Hold On to the Evidence

[19] Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them.

God not only gives us His word, He gives us His evidence. Everyday God’s creation testifies of itself. How on earth could anyone look at creation and think that it just one day magically appeared. How does love magically appear. How does the human body in its intricacy and amazement just one day come to be. The person who believes that is beyond ignorant.  And I say that in love. For me a mentally challenged person is not one who is subpar in earthly knowledge; it’s someone who has wisdom and fails to give God the glory or use it for His good. 

One of the very evidence of God is you. You prove His existence everyday in the way you laugh, breath and go on in spite of everything you’ve been through. God creates tenacious people! Hold on the evidence and share it with those who question.

Let Go of the Excuses

[20] For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse:

You my friend are a created being with eternal purpose, else why would God have bothered to invest so much into you? Think about everything that goes into making you, you. Your body alone has so many amazing things about it, but add to that your thoughts, your passions, your desires and talents…. Oh my stars! You’re crazy amazing!!!!  I’ve never doubted that God had purpose for me, it’s just that some times I don’t know how to use the gifts I’ve been given. I understand if you have fears about God asking you to step outside your comfort zone. I fear. He sometimes just shoves me out in front of a crowd and I just roll with it because I don’t know how else to to do it. But if He allows many any time to think about it, I begin to question, (not the fact that He created me) but why He created me. And I’ll begin making excuses for why I can’t or shouldn’t do what He created me to do. But I don’t question that He created. And as Paul wrote the Romans, anyone who does is without excuse. 

If you read my blog, you are most like a believer. But if you know people who aren’t (and we all likely do), stop making excuses and step outside your comfort zone so they can see the evidence of God in your life. He’s amazing! The truth is, You’re amazing. Let the word see it!