Tag: world

Posted in Christian Service, Church attendance, Faith

Don’t Get Wrapped Up in the World

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I have met my fair share of people who are wrapped up in the notion, even if they say they believe in faith in Christ alone for salvation, that somehow what they’re doing is more important than why they’re doing it.

The graphic below is a very good way to explain salvation. I didn’t come up with the idea, but I love it! This is what our faith is in. The fact that Jesus was born of a virgin and came to earth, He lived for 32 years (ish) until He was crucified on the cross for claiming to be God. He was God and proved that when He arose from the dead and ascended back to Heaven. A fact witnessed by over 500 people. He’s coming back, that too is a fact. Believing that is salvation. There is nothing in between the images for you to believe or do in order for you to be saved. Just faith. Nothing more. But there’s plenty to do to keep you out of trouble.

Galatians 5:1-8,10 KJV
Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.

The vast majority of the world is in bondage. How do I know that? Because they’re not in church. And now is where those “not in church” tell me they don’t have to be in church to be saved. You’re right. But, I will stand eye to eye with you and tell you if you’re not in church, you’re probably so bound up in the world you can’t get there.

I witness it in my only family. I don’t cut them any slack either, because I want to know that when I die, or they die, we’ll see each other again! This is not a game, but the world is playing church like a game of checkers. And when they get to the other side of the board and say “King me.” The owner of the board is going to say, “depart from me I never knew you.”

Paul told the Galatians in chapter 5 that they were indeed free. But don’t use that freedom to get tangled up in this world. Families are so busy running to and fro to ballgames and other events, that there is no time for the Lord. Not on Sunday, nor Monday through Saturday. But yet they say they know Him. How? How can you know someone that you never talk to? How can you possibly know His will, when you don’t read His word, You don’t listen to His Word and you don’t act out His Word? Yes… faith is all that is required for salvation. But that’s not all that’s required for the evidence of salvation. If you truly understood what those images of salvation meant, that God, the Creator of the universe, placed His Son in the womb of a woman, who then walked the earth and proved in countless ways that He was God, only to be denied and then crucified by the people He came to save. The most gruesome of deaths imaginable where He hung on a cross with his skin ripping and tearing by the nails, beaten to the point He was unrecognizable and His skin looked like hamburger, and yet in that state He gave eternal life to a thief, and then He died. But as they say… but wait, that’s not all. He arose. He wasn’t in that tomb and the government lied. I know… we’re all shocked that the government would do that, right? And again His resurrection and ascension was witnessed by hundreds of people. People who later were willing to die rather than deny the truth. And when all is said and done, He’s coming back, and He’s going to call His church out of this wicked world. He did all that for you. But yet, you don’t feel the need to know Him.

I am not writing in a self righteous tone. I am so aware of my failures… I know that I have no righteousness in me were it not for the Holy Spirit. But I also know the freedom I have because of the Holy Spirit. The freedom not to allow this world to tear me down. Not to allow it to be burden on me to the point that I lose hope. I’ve been there! It’s why it breaks my heart to see family and friends are there.

My point of bringing this to our attention today, is in hopes that someone will read and be encouraged to begin a closer walk with the Lord Jesus Christ. It doesn’t make your life perfect. But it does give you perfect peace and that is worth it all!!!

Even after last week when I lost my temper in a meeting and derailed on the Mayor, I had peace. Yes I was upset and aggravated. But when I got settled down and allowed the Holy Spirit to comfort my soul and bring spiritual logic into the situation I had such an abundance of joy. I knew that the demonic forces of this world had brought all that upon me, but that God had me covered and He would settle the issue. Not me. I could have just as well attempted to settle it on my own and continue the confrontation,

What has you bound up? Does it make an eternal difference and does it encourage you and your relationship with the One who created you with a purpose. You have a purpose in this world, but this world’s plan for you is to make you miserable. Don’t let it. Allow God to wrap you up in His Comforting Holy Spirit. It’s then that the world can’t touch you.

Posted in Eternity, Leadership, Life Inspiration, Word of God

Rebuilding the Tower of Babel and other confusing stuff

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And there it is, right in the middle of Wrangler Jean, steel toed boots and plaid shirt wearin’ redneck America, complete and utter stupidity that I wouldn’t have imagined anyone of us tolerating. There’s a pride flag hanging up in a Calhoun County, West Virginia classroom, teachers are permitted to add to their approved curriculum, unapproved ideologies and parents do not have to be made aware of any of it. It was rumored this week on social media (and it was nothing but a rumor) that litter boxes were being placed in the school bathrooms for the children who identify as furry’s to have a place to potty. As ridiculous as that sounds, the fact that there were people who didn’t hesitate to believe it, tells you the state of our community. And why would that shock anyone of us who have watched public schools turn from “safe spaces” for our children to “safe spaces for the morally bankrupt.”

What does that have to do with the Tower of Babel. Plenty. Just hold on while I see if God connects the dots for me like I thought He would when this thought crossed my mind this morning after hearing a good teacher confess her frustration when a student informed her that she had not ask them what their pronouns were before addressing them in class. The teacher politely said to the child “Oh, my apologies, what is your pronouns?” To which the student replied, “Banana and rock.” The teacher was pretty sure the kid was just messing with her, but because of their new policies, she had to refer to this child every time she spoke to them or about them as a banana and a rock. I would not have been brave enough as a child to pull that kind of stunt, but I can tell you of classmates who would have jumped at the opportunity to disrupt class in such a way. Many of them would have been FFA students…you know… future felons of America. Others would have been our classmates we relied on for comedic relief. And then those like me who wouldn’t have done it, but would have lost myself in snickering and got nothing out of class. Is it any wonder we can no longer compete with other countries with intellect? Do you suppose China or Russia would allow that behavior in their schools.

No, because they are too busy educating their children, while our children un-educate their teachers.

Okay, my rant is over, now let’s get on to the Word of God!

Genesis 11:1-8 KJV
[1] And the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech. [2] And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there. [3] And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them throughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for morter. [4] And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth. [5] And the Lord came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men builded. [6] And the Lord said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do. [7] Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech. [8] So the Lord scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city.

My Whole World

That’s how I would describe my family to you. That’s how my parents treated me and my siblings. We were their whole world. And that’s how God described His family, His whole world. He had created them, made them in the likeness of Him, provided them a land to dwell in with food and shelter and all He asked in return was that they keep Him in His rightful place in their lives. That’s no less than I expected of my children. My proper place in their lives is where ever God wants me to be at any given time in their life. When they were little children, I was their protector and caregiver, as an adult, I stand beside them and help when ask, But God is not an earthly parent, He is the God of Heaven and Earth, and His place is over mankind. As a whole, not in part. So what was He to do with a changing world that no longer acknowledge Him.

Mine, Mine Mine!

Was that not their attitude? “Let us make brick, we’ll make a tower, we’ll reach heaven, we’ll be our own god.” The children were no longer listening to God, they were making their rules up as they went. And God watched and then He acted.

God’s watching America too. He’s see’s our nation making their own rules, being their own god’s, not acknowledging Him or asking Him for direction. His response for His children then was to confound their language. In the words of Pastor Alfred Hickman, “Hello?” Is it not the same now. If you don’t believe me, listen to this young lady? Describe herself in the YouTube video:

During Old Testament Times God’s judgment was pointed and quick. It was not up for debate. When He heard His children’s language unbefitting a child of God, and filled with plots against Him, his judgement was to confuse them with multiple language until nobody could communicate.

Now look at our world. Filled with unappreciative, self glorifying people, who don’t even know what gender they are. Rule? There are no rules now. Rules hurt little feelings and hurt little feeling might have to face reality and we can’t have that.

I don’t believe God’s pouring judgement out on America, I think He’s just letting us confound ourselves. He doesn’t have to create new language, Xem people have already done it, or perhaps it was xyr people who did it. None the less we are living in a chaotic society where sanity has left the building.

What’s the answer? Refuse to conform and pray like mad.

Paul said in Romans 12:2 KJV
[2] And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Do you know what the will of God is for your life? It may not be what you think. Scripture says this:

Ephesians 1:9-10 KJV
[9] Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself: [10] That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:

What happens at this time is not as important as what happens at the end of time. When God gathers both Heaven and Earth together. God will is for you and I to be there. That’s the most important thing in our lives is that we have a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. It’s not whether or not we have a certain job, car, spouse, what ever it is in this life that you have going on, the question that matters most is are you saved? Nothing else. Woah… that good stuff.

If you don’t know that you know the Lord Jesus, message me, call me, or find someone who can tell you. Love you. Mean it. Want you in eternity with me.

Posted in Christian Service, Life Inspiration

Are You Laboring in Vain?

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I am a lover of words. I love the fact that they can paint an image as clearly as paint on canvas in the mind of a listener. I desire to write in such a manner that causes the reader to feel as though they’re a part of my story. My friend Ed Eisley has that power with words, he’s the greatest of story tellers. He is the greatest of story tellers because he is passionate about the stories he tells and he loves to excite his listeners, that’s a good lesson for the child of God. How excited are you about how God is working in your life?

The Spirit Speaks

When I was first saved, I was beyond excited and I thought everything in my life had godly purpose and intent. As I grew spiritually I began to realize that many of those things that excited me, or I thought were of God were actually distractions of other spirits to get my mind off Kingdom works and onto earthly works. Whatever I do, I’m a zealot. Sometimes to a fault. I was the same prior to salvation, but salvation gave my works value. Perhaps that is what Paul reminded the Galatians of in chapter 4, or perhaps he was just tired of zealots like me who can easily get off focus. 

Galatians 4:6-18 KJVS

[6] And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. [7] Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

Paul reminded them that God had written them into His story! Isn’t that an amazing thought. As the body of Christ, He tells stories through our lives using us as illustration. Is it any wonder I get so excited? But then Paul reminds them about another story that was written prior to their salvation. When they were caught up in the world and the story being written was one of heartache and sorrow, and yet they were turning back to that very thing. So much so that Paul was afraid he’d invested his time in waste.  

The Flesh Speaks

 [8] Howbeit then, when ye knew not God, ye did service unto them which by nature are no gods. [9] But now, after that ye have known God, or rather are known of God, how turn ye again to the weak and beggarly elements, whereunto ye desire again to be in bondage? [10] Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. [11] I am afraid of you, lest I have bestowed upon you labour in vain.

I can get so wrapped up in worldly things that are not wrong, but they’ll have no heavenly value, and they’re for certain a distraction from what my focus should be on as a servant of Christ. I caught myself yesterday volunteering for something that would have been fine, if I had the time, which I do not! Praise God the person for whom I volunteered had enough sense to say, “no, I have someone else who can do it.” I felt my soul sigh a sigh of relief and wondered why I had opened my mouth! Because I’m always trying to please people. And forgetting that I have Kingdom work to do. 

And so I questioned, did God give me the many talents for which He has, as a labor in vain? Should I use them as a bondage to the world and not for the freedom I have in expressing what Christ has done in my life. God created me to be a story teller, an artist of words as well as images, but not to be in bondage by the world who will use my talents and cast them away like yesterdays news. What about you? Have your talents been squandered away by the world and used for their entertainment or glory. And if so are you ready for God to re-focus your attention to His work? I for certain am.

 [12] Brethren, I beseech you, be as I am ; for I am as ye are : ye have not injured me at all. [13] Ye know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel unto you at the first. [14] And my temptation which was in my flesh ye despised not, nor rejected; but received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus. [15] Where is then the blessedness ye spake of? for I bear you record, that, if it had been possible, ye would have plucked out your own eyes, and have given them to me. [16] Am I therefore become your enemy, because I tell you the truth? [17] They zealously affect you, but not well; yea, they would exclude you, that ye might affect them. [18] But it is good to be zealously affected always in a good thing, and not only when I am present with you.

There was a time when the Galatians were so zealous and excited over Paul’s ministry that they would have plucked their own eyes  out for him to be able to see more clearly. But that depth of love for him had ceased. And when Paul continued in his excitement for the righteousness of God, their focus went elsewhere and now Paul words that had once painted a beautiful image, now upset them because the truth hurts. They were still zealous, but not all zealousness is good.

It’s good to be excited and it’s fine to exited about things of the world. Heck, I got so excited over a recent washer and dryer purchase you would have thought I had gone to Walt Disney World when I did the laundry. It still hasn’t worn off. I was excited because for the first time in all my years of doing laundry, I felt that my clothes were beyond clean!!!! The smell is amazing, the stains are gone and my clothes look shiny and new… a lot like my soul after the salvation of Christ! And yes I’m still excited about that!!!! But I can get off focus. 

Paul’s words reminded me today that I need to get some excitement back in my ministry and stop losing focus to things in this world. I don’t have time for that! 

What about you? Where is your zealousness focused? I pray it is on the things of Christ and that He uses your talents for Him mightily!!! Glory to God He is so good. How can we not be excited?

Posted in Bible Journaling, Easter, Evangelism, Faith, Life Inspiration

The World’s Warped View of Christianity

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Last night was communion at Victory Baptist Church and it’s been a long time since we gathered together for that purpose because of the Corona. My heart was tender to the Lord, a fact I’m grateful for. It had not been the case this week. I had allowed the world to come between me and God to the point I was feeling worthless and ashamed. Not a good spiritual condition to be in the week of Easter or any day. But such was the case and I needed my heart stirred. The Pastor’s text for the evening was 1 Corinthians 10:21-23 KJV

Ye cannot drink the cup of the Lord, and the cup of devils: ye cannot be partakers of the Lord’s table, and of the table of devils. Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? are we stronger than he? All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not.

Those verses immediately resonated with my spirit. I felt like I had been dining at the Devil’s table all week. I hadn’t read the Bible like I should, I hadn’t prayed like I should and going into the time of year that we celebrate the very reason we are who we are, I was lower than a snail’s belly. Praise God by the time the wafer and communion cups were passed out I had asked God’s forgiveness and felt as though fresh oil had been poured upon me.  God is so good.

The scripture still drew my thoughts back to the week I had endured and the world we live in. It’s so warped. To most people Easter is just a holiday, not a holy-day. So long as it’s the celebration of Easter bunnies and baby chicks all cute and cuddly nobody has a problem with it, but mention the truth that Christians pause this time of year to celebrate our risen Savior and the world has a problem with us. Delve into the depravity of man that created the need for Jesus to be crucified, and the world gets its little feelings hurt because they’re offended. And not only the world, the church (collectively) has chimed right in with that reasoning. They’ve removed the blood songs from the hymnals and excluded any sermon topics that aren’t politically correct for fear offending the power of the left, and the powers of the right are as week as day old dishwater. How did we get here? How did I get where I was the beginning of this week and stay there throughout! It’s ridiculous. 

“Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy?” as Paul asked. I have no doubt. It’s why I began scribbling the communion glasses on my iPad as the preacher preached last night. One represents the world, the other the purity of the Lord. The worlds glass is dark and tainted with the opinions of man not the doctrine of Christ. I listen to this young man on Instagram for entertainment that I perhaps shouldn’t. But he intrigues me. His name is Christian Walker, and he is the son of retired professional football player Hershel Walker. He is epitome of the world, and has made a name for himself as an out spoken Republican conservative and is praised for his boldness, and the shedding of the typical stuff shirt that the right is usually viewed as. I’ll give him that. He’s definitely not your typical conservative. He’s flaming gay and broadcasts it loud and clear without apology as he professes his Christian faith. 

Ummm, doesn’t that go against what the word of God says in Romans 1:25-27 ~ Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompence of their error which was meet.

It sure does! And yet I watch him and enjoy his rants and ravings against the leftest agenda as he ignores his own sin because it’s his lusts, and somehow his sin is okay. That’s warped. But that’s the world we live in and it’s created an unholiness in the church that’s going to make God puke. 

Revelation 3:15-16 KJVS

[15] I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. [16] So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth.

So what does all that have to do with Easter and Communion? How much value do we place on what Christ did for us? How many times do we compromise in our own beliefs to cater to the world around us, or to our own lusts, pretending they’re the “small sins.”

By the end of the service last night my mind had drifted to Mary, the Mother of Jesus, who stood at the foot of the cross that her Son hung on having been beaten beyond recognition, spit on, stripped naked and mocked. I could feel her heart breaking, I could feel the tears sting my own eyes as I tried to imagine that as my child, but couldn’t. It would be too much to bare. I imagined her screaming, “This is my Son! He did nothing but love us!” And with that the shame of my own lack of reverence for the Lord and the things of the Lord stung me. Thank God for grace.  

The world may take this day lightly, the day before our Lord arose from the grave. But imagine being there, having witnessed the horrendous events of the days before, and then seeing the tomb empty, feeling your heart burn within you as the men on the road to Emmaus. (Luke 24:32) Meeting the risen Lord face to face, being with Him, speaking with Him, seeing Him ascend back to Heaven where He awaits our arrival. Glory to God how can we be so lacks when it comes to the Holiness of God?

Following His crucifixion Peter went back to fishing, the other Apostles hid for fear of being the next to be killed, until He arose. And then the gospel was back with a vengeance against Satan’s plot to destroy the Lord. 

Well, the vengeance is on us now. Satan has turned the world against us, but we still have the same reasons to rejoice and loudly proclaim Christ arose! But first we must stop cheapening the price He paid by allowing the world to convince us this day is about bunnies. Nothing against bunnies, but our children need to know that it’s about Jesus!

I was one proud Noni this week when my grandson Logan wanted his hat for the Easter Bonnet Parade at his public school to be about the “real meaning” of Easter. I’m proud of His boldness! God…. let me be so bold in my world

Posted in Bible Journaling, Christian Service

The Profit and Loss of God’s People

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Job 22:1-2 KJV

Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said, Can a man be profitable unto God, as he that is wise may be profitable unto himself?

I’m not a fan of Eliphaz the Temanite, after all, when our man Job was down as low as he could get, Eliphaz was one of the three not so encouraging friends who came to tell Job to get his heart right and his life would get better. Who needs a friend like that? But how many of us don’t have one. I’ll not name names. They likely don’t read my blog anyway, because I’m sure my grammar is just ghastly and upsets their psyche. But as for Eliphaz, he did have a great question. One he likely should have looked in the mirror and asked, “Am I profitable to God.”

First of all, what would God look upon as profit, He who owns the universe? 

Samuel told the people of God in 1 Samuel 12:20-21

And Samuel said unto the people, Fear not: ye have done all this wickedness: yet turn not aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart; And turn ye not aside: for then should ye go after vain things, which cannot profit nor deliver; for they are vain.

That’s a good word for all of us! It is so easy to turn away from God to something that catches our eye and looks “profitable” but ends up being little more than a distraction, if not a great waster of time and money. Oh good grief, am I preaching to myself alone? It’s true. I need that “one more thing” from Amazon to make my life complete but then after that is “one more thing.” And before long I have no profit to give to God, only debt. So back to my 2nd question, What does God look upon as profit? 

Wisdom is Profitable

Ecclesiastes 7:11 KJV 

Wisdom is good with an inheritance: and by it there is profit to them that see the sun.

For me the definition of wisdom, in the “dictionary of Shari” is “intelligence wrought with insight.” Deep right? Maybe not. But what I mean by that is wisdom goes further just what we learn. It’s the application of intelligence that is profitable. Okay… maybe that should be definition 2 in the dictionary of Shari. Knowing something isn’t wisdom unless it applied properly. Someone can have the intelligence to invent something amazing, but unless they have the wisdom on how to use it for good, then it’s not wisdom. For example, Bill Gates. A man of great intelligent with regard to the computer world, but right now he’s not using that with wisdom. He’s using it for evil. He’s a “ga-jillionaire” but what is his purpose in eternity? 

While the widow, who knows nothing of cyber land, but receives a small pension from her husband, and tithes it into the collection plate at church, allowing for extra for the missionaries, is highly profitable in eternity. 

Proverbs:10:2

Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death.

Isaiah 48:17

Thus saith the Lord, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the Lord thy God which teachers thee to profit, with leaders thee by the way that thou shoudest go. 

God has not problem with His children profiting in life, but He wants that profit to have godly purpose.

The Word is Profitable

Acts 20:20-21 KJV

And how I kept back nothing that was profitable unto you, but have shewed you, and have taught you publicly, and from house to house, Testifying both to the Jews, and also to the Greeks, repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ.

Just going through these scriptures this morning I realize that I do not profit in the word of God nearly as much as I should. Every time I read scripture my heart overflows with blessing. Far greater than the blessing of any Amazon order arriving on the door step. Because I know that the wisdom that I am awarded for my effort, and will hopefully share with those I come into contact with will lay up for me rewards in Heaven. I’ll have those stars in my crown that are so often sung about. 

But not without using the word with godly wisdom. Studying to show myself approved and applying that wisdom to my life. Then I have gifts 🎁 🎁  🎁 for the King!

1 Timothy 4:8

For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come. 

The Woodshed is Profitable

2 Timothy 3:16

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.

I’m no more of a fan of the woodshed than I am Eliphaz. It’s not a good time when you feel the Spirit of God chastising you for wrong doing. But it’s profitable. Else I’d make the same mistake again. But we live in a world where no body wants to get their little feelings hurt… myself included. But I have first hand seen the damage that causes not only in my own life but in the lives of families who choose not to discipline their children or accept godly preaching on behavior. 

When I see those nutcase children screaming into a camera and posting it on social media for all the world to see my first thought is “Your parents must have disciplined you with cupcakes and rainbow sprinkles. The woodshed may hurt temporarily but the outcome is of great reward. 

Good Works are Profitable

Titus 3:8

This is a faithful saying, and these things I will that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. Theses things are good and profitable unto men.

While good works will not save you, they don’t go un-noticed by God. And while I’m not sure what the stars in our crown will be awarded for, I do know who we’ll have the opportunity to award them to, and that would be the Savior! I want that profit! I don’t want to stand before my Savior, Who gave it all for me, and have nothing to give Him in return. I want to be a part of the celebration on that glorious day in Heaven when we stand before the King and He says well done! And then I want to lay that crown down at His feet like the woman with the alabaster box. I want to kiss His feet and thank Him for all He’s done in my life!

This World Is Not Profitable

Mark 8:36

For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?

If you owned it all, and lose your soul by failing to accept the price that Jesus Christ paid for you to be in Eternity with Him for ever, you’ll burn up in the final days and live in Hell for eternity. If you do not know what it means to know Christ as Savior and Lord, please, contact me or a bible believing preacher, and it’s sad to say, that’s not every preacher. Remember what I said about there being a difference between wisdom and intelligence. There’s a lot of smart preacher out there who don’t have wisdom. They’ve bought the lies of the world as well. If you’re unsure of who to turn to, message me, and I’ll find you a preacher in your area. But don’t miss out on the greatest of all blessings!!!! 

Posted in Bible Journaling, Church attendance, Church Unity, Health, Leadership, Life Inspiration, Uncategorized

Let’s Be Separate Together

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on Let’s Be Separate Together

Wouldn’t it be a wonderful world if we could just block out the wickedness from our lives and have no contact or affiliation with anything that took our minds away from the Lord? If our children and grandchildren were never exposed to anything that would corrupt their minds, and not a foul word was spoken in our presence. Oh Glory to God would not that be awesome! Well of course it would, but it ain’t life as we know it. I stood in the grocery line yesterday; yes, six feet apart as the tape on the floor instructed. But it didn’t take me out of earshot of the guy behind me with the filthy mouth who uttered words that I loathe without consideration of the fact that he was in a public place where children may or may not have been present.  It has become an acceptable part of society that language isn’t to be stifled for any reason. The same is true with images and behaviors that were once considered inappropriate for public display, and now children are exposed to behaviors that cause them to have emotions they’re not prepared to handle. It makes me sick. But such is life, so what am I to do. 

Staying in the word helps. It’s a refocus tool that God meant for every child to not only have, but to use. What a novel idea! Pastor Steven preached Sunday evening about how we take the word of God for granted. It’s so true. I have it with in my grasp 24 hours a day. It’s on my phone, my iPad, on my table and multiple shelves in my home. And yet, I’m not in it nearly as much as I should be. I take spurts where I read and study, and then I get distracted and people and things take my mind away from the word and I get in a worldly state. Again…. what do you do. 

The one great thing that this quarantine captivity has done for me is cause me to realize that being separate isn’t a bad thing. When the children of Israel came out of captivity, one of the first things they did was to separate themselves. 

Ezra 6:21 KJV

[And the children of Israel, which were come again out of captivity, and all such as had separated themselves unto them from the filthiness of the heathen of the land, to seek the Lord God of Israel, did eat,

That’s a couple of my favorite things right there… God’s people and food! 

I think it’s important to realize that the fellowship with God’s people is vital to our Spiritual condition. And as we get ready to join together again we need to appreciate those places where the children of God can commune without the world. 

In the Word of God, not the word of the world. 

A prepared heart for a time of fellowship goes a long way in the receiving of the message that God has laid on a Pastor’s heart. If we are prayed up, and read up when the word is spoken to us, it seems to sink deeper into the heart of man than if it has to break through the walls we put up to keep the hurt of the world away. There’s so much discouragement out there. I can so easily start putting up a shield to people around me for fear of my mind going places that it shouldn’t. There are even some church folk who evoke that spirit in me. Their negativity or worldly words cause my mind to be distracted and frustrated. But if I prepare my heart before I enter the sanctuary, I seem to have an inner shield that protects me from the world, and allows the word to take root. 

In the house of God, not the dens of iniquity.

It’s a sad day when even the grocery store is filled with filth. We need our time in the house of God to separate ourselves from the world. When the churches were closed for quarantine it took a necessary part of a Christians life away. Separation. Even the home is no longer a sanctuary of escape. We have television, radio, internet, etc that drags that world exposure right through the the front door with us. We need the church where the world is less. Unfortunately it’s still there in some ways, but it’s far less. And with a little help from godly leaders who are tuned in to what God wants His people to focus on, the world can be shut out for a while. 

It’s why we have to be careful about allowing the church to look to much like the world. Yes, it might attract people in, but it also opens the door wide for Satan’s influence. We still need the old ways, scripture is clear on that…

Jeremiah 6:16 KJV

Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.

In the Spirit of God, not the spirit of Fear

2 Timothy 1:7 King James Version (KJV)

For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.

For certain the Coronavirus has caused us all (or most of us) to fear a little greater. That fear has caused us to avoid people and places and now going back in and around people and places is going to come with some hesitancy that I fear will take it’s toll on the church. Handshakes and hugs will be rare, if at all, and smiles will be behind masks, some tied on, and some painted on. It’s another reason to get in the word of God and read the many, many promises and fulfillment’s of His care of His people. 

He’s going to take care of us! We need to believe that, not just say it. 

I’m not saying that we should proceed with caution when joining together again. But the spirit of the church should be one of peace. We may not be able to shake hands or hug as we once did, but we can use words of kindness and eyes of affection to go a long way! I can’t wait to be back with my friends of the faith. I want to celebrate that day and remember how good God is to allow us to be together again. 

I hope my words today have reminded you that you are important to God’s house. You are missed, and loved. Consider yourself cyber hugged today, until once again we can greet each other as before. 

In His love, and for His glory. Let’s be separate together!

Posted in Bible Journaling, Christian Service, Faith, Grace, Life Inspiration, Purpose, Word of God

All the things!

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on All the things!

There are days when I think that I have gone completely mad and that the world is in a tailspin that cannot be stopped. And then I realize that I need to take the “L” out of the world, and latch back on to the word. 

I spent yesterday going from one work project to personal project and back all day long. I had computer software, billing programs issues, cheerleading squad projects and a load or two of laundry thrown into the mix just for fun. By the time I hit the sack last night I was not just physically exhausted but mentally as well. And I “almost” complained. And then I realized, Shari, you are blessed beyond measure as my friend Loretta Propst always reminds me. 

In the midst of exhaustion I hadn’t bothered to realize that I had the strength to do it all and it was only through Christ that I had it. Isn’t that wonderful!? How the word of God refocuses your mind. I woke up a little late this morning and my wise husband said… just rest a minute. And so I did.

I did however have enough time for a quick piece of art and a short blog today. I hope it blesses you to realize that you too can do ALL things today through Christ. He is so very faithful. Have a blessed Friday (or what ever day you read this). And know that you are loved by the Lord Jesus, and me as well. Blessings! ~ Shari