Tag: Worship

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How to Know Jesus is Moving

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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.

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Let’s Talk about Church People

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In twenty six years of salvation I’ve been in a variety of churches. I’ve been in many denominations and nondenominational churches and I can tell you that there are as many “styles” of service as there are denominations. If not more. Because within the denominations you’ll find various styles of worship. I don’t know that there has ever been a church that I haven’t found people that I loved. I may not have enjoyed their style of worship, but if they loved Jesus, I loved them! But the truth is, it does not matter if I like your church or not, it only matters if it is acceptable to God.

Paul told the Romans in Chapter 12, verses 1-2:
I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. [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.

Paul was begging them, by the mercies of God. Do we realize how deep that well of mercy is for us? I don’t think I do. God has extended mercy to me so many times each day that I lose county before 8 a.m. I love the mornings because it is another opportunity to get something accomplished for Christ. But it doesn’t take long for me to get into an ungodly manner of thought or behavior. As I have been recently trying to sort out the direction for me and my ministry I grew increasingly frustrated with people of faith who don’t even acknowledge that I have a ministry, and then I was frustrated with myself for caring that other people didn’t acknowledge me. The only One that should matter is God. I need to transform my own thought process – – proving what is that good, acceptable and perfect, will of God for my life. The congregations of God are not my problem. God is a relational God and wants to relate to me. And you! So let’s do some ciphering on that…

[3] For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith.

Humility – “oh Lord it’s hard to be humble, when you’re perfect in every way… remember the song? Humility is tough. Just when you think you have it, the flesh rises and you realize that you don’t. It’s a behavior that has to be trained every day. And then there is sober living. Meaning without immoderate uncontrolled passion. It does not mean a sad sack disposition that I have witnessed on more Christians than I can count inside the church. Now outside… woah baby, they are not sad at all. But for some reason, they believe that the church is a place akin to a morgue or a funeral parlor. But God says to seriously consider your measure of faith.

How much do you have? Do you have enough to get through the worst day of your life when any unimaginable thing may happen? I have had a few of those days. Three heart attacks, open heart surgery, loss of a job, cut to the core by people who were suppose or care. I can say, praise God! That none of these things moved me. But it’s not been without struggle. I think that the “measure of faith” is just the amount that we need, no more, no less. But it’s in there.

[4] For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: [5] So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. [6] Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; [7] Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; [8] Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that sheweth mercy, with cheerfulness.

A blessing that I have made into a problem are the gifts God has given me. I have multiple. And I say that with all humility because just because I have a gift doesn’t mean I always use it to the best of my ability or with the intended use of God. I am an artist. (Yet I critique myself until I hide it in a drawer.) I’m a singer, and I booger myself up until I’m sick before I perform. I’m a teacher (been known to be a preacher when God’s power is allowed work through me. But I quite often squelch it for myself in judgement. I’m a writer, but I compare myself to writers of great fame and think, why? I’m a musician, yet I refuse to practice then complain because I’m terrible. I’m a speaker, moderate at best. I have a lot room for self improvement. I could have my own show.

[9] Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good. [10] Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; [11] Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; [12] Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; [13] Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. [14] Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not. [15] Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. [16] Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits. [17] Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men. [18] If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.

Here is where the rubber meets the road on churches. Without dissimulation is without hypocrisy. When I say that I love all of God’s people, I mean it and it is without hypocrisy. There is nobody that I wouldn’t want to be in Heaven with. But… praise God we’re all going to be like Christ when we get there, because the thoughts of spending eternity with some people makes me glad for a city four square. Personalities clash, scripture discernment varies, there are happy Christians and sad Christians, those who like a loud church and those who like a quiet church. You can probably guess which group I’m in. When I read that we should not be slothful in business, and we should be “fervent” in the Lord, I read that to mean excited! Give me an Amen when I’m singing or speaking, tell me that you and I agree in the Lord, stand up and clap your hands and show me your heart got happy in a service, I won’t call you down! Paul said to rejoice because we have hope. And let Satan know, like Job did, that you’re even happy when times are rough. Glory to God I just wrote myself happy!

Last week I was accused of taking vengeance. That’s okay if some people think that. I know better. God said if it’s possible live in peace. He also knew that it wouldn’t always be possible. We of course have to choose our battles carefully and make sure that we’re fighting the Lord’s fight and not the flesh. Can’t say that I’ve always won that one either. But I’m trying my best.

As I move on to a new phase in my spiritual walk, I don’t know what it’s going to be like or where it’s going to be. But I know God is with me.


Posted in Bible Journaling, Life Inspiration, Praise, worship

How Many Ways to Worship?

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I gotta tell ya… my ways really haven’t changed over my 25 years of salvation. But what has changed is my understanding of why I do what I do. Worship is a very personal thing. If we’re speaking of the worship of God Almighty, we have to make that clear first. Because there are people who worship many things, and some “know not what” they worship. There is nausea in my belly when I think of the many that might fall in to this category. They know there is something to be worshipped. Or Someone to be worshipped, but the world has left them confused as to who or what specific “god” is that they’re to worship. Or what is acceptable worship. I must confess that in my earlier years of salvation, I would follow the cues of the church I happened to be in as to what style I was to worship in. And then they’re came the day when I just decided, that “this” was the style of worship that God had laid upon my heart and I began worshiping as I felt was the Spirit’s leading no matter where I was. 

But there is a method to madness of worship, and there truly is a little madness in the mix with some people. Who I’ll not mention. I’ll just discuss what the word says about worship, because that’s all that we need to know. 

188 times worship is mentioned in scripture. But in Philippians, Paul, the Apostle to the Gentiles tells us of the worship experience and the warnings. 

Philippians 3:1-3 KJVS

[1] Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not grievous, but for you it is safe. [2] Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision. [3] For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh.

Flesh is certainly an issue with worship. I’ve seen it in action as I’ve watched as people competed to see who could worship the best and the loudest. The most “spiritual.” And then again there are times when I want to say to whom ever sits beside of me “Here, hold my mule,” so I can shout the glory down…. But then I don’t because I wonder if it’s the Spirit or is it me. Perhaps I’m wondering what people will think.  Perhaps I think too much. When I say I haven’t changed, I haven’t, I’m a relatively free wheeling worshipper who shouts Amen! And praises God with lifted hands and all the stuff worshippy! (It’s not a word, I know you grammar natzi’s) but it is a feeling. I don’t however want to bring attention to me. I want to bring attention to God and He alone. 

Questionable Worship

Stifled Worship.

I’ve seen some questionable worship. Such as the “stifled worship” of the religious. Nobody raises their voice above a whisper, and for certain you do not make a spectacle of yourself by raising limbs or standing up. That’s just ridiculous! Rising up is rebellion you heathen. That’s really how I feel when I go to a Spirit stifled church where everyone leaves the same way they came in. Dead. 

Mark 7:6-8 KJVS

[6] He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. [7] Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. [8] For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do.

They are pretty people. But I’m pretty sure they’re not God’s favorites. Just saying, not judging. How is God glorified (which is our job by the way) in a dead church? Jesus said they honor Him with their lips but there heart is far from Him. Because if you have Jesus in the right position in your heart, your heart is about to jump out of your chest. It’s exciting! Here, hold my mule and I’ll tell you about it. 

Secular Worship

Wait a minute. How can there be secular worship when secular means nonreligious, nonchurch, temporal, worldly, earthly, profane; unsanctified, unconsecrated, unhallowed? If a church believes they should agree with and stand with other god serving religions, accept lifestyles that go against biblical principles, and support decisions that take the life of an unborn child, then God’s not in their church. He is holy. He will not be where sin abounds. Scripture makes that very clear. So there can be all appearances of a spiritual service, but God’s not in it, because their hearts are not serving Him. Am I judging. No. I’m reading the Bible. 

I follow on instagram, a conservative, right wing, outspoken young black man who is HIGHLY opinionated when it comes to conservative things, but he’s a proud gay man with an effeminate  character. I follow him out of curiosity in hopes that the Lord will one day open the door for me to speak with him and ask him (in love, not hatred) how can he say the Bible is the inerrant word of God and be gay without remorse? It’s the same as a church saying the previously mentioned things are okay, but their God’s people. No, if you were God’s people you’d never under any circumstance say His book and Word was wrong. 

If you belong to a church who puts their seal of approval on sin. Leave. That’s my advice. 

Simple Worship

In my travels I’ve been to many little country churches across the nation. And  many of them have been my favorites. There is no choir, except the congregation which may have been counted on no more than two hands. There is no fancy pews, just hardwood, backbreaking, bottom hurting benches! The preacher isn’t a college graduate. Sometimes he’s not a high school graduate. But what He is is God’s man and God teaches His own. In the words of Tony Morgan, “Simple People have Simple Ways.” Indeed. And sometimes it’s just what God wants. No fluff, just favor. And the Spirit of God in His people whose love is evident. Simple worship. They may be God’s favorite. 

I’ve always felt like God’s favorite. I’m not. But God makes all His children feel that way who love His presence and look forward to His coming. The churches who are not following and studying His book may not even be aware that He’s coming back. Some have even denounced it. Because we can do that you know. Tell God what He’s going to do. Oh… my …. Stars… the arrogance of this world we live in! 

Silly Worship

I almost didn’t address it. Because some of these people I adore. They’re good hearted, Bible believing children of God, but they’re picking and choosing what parts of the Bible they want to focus on. Most will tell you every word is truth, but certain words mean more or certain actions mean more. They border on works because of their belief that if you don’t do certain things, the Spirit of God is not on you or in you. There’s a problem with that.

1 Corinthians 14:23 – If therefore the whole church be come together into one place, and all speak with tongues, and there come in those that are unlearned, or unbelievers, will they not say that ye are mad? 

Anytime any church does something that causes mass confusion, it’s not of God. Because the scripture says in 1 Corinthians 14:33  – For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. That clears up the issue of tongues for me. Only one time in my entire life have I been interpreted to by a Pentecostal friend when speaking in tongues.  It was not an open church service, it was a private prayer. They spoke in tongues, not I. I still didn’t understand it. But I appreciated their respect of my belief and I respected theirs. We have an awesome friendship of peace. I don’t think the people are silly, but to an unsaved person, who may be looking for Jesus, I can almost guarantee they’ll think it’s silly and it won’t point anyone of them to Jesus. Which is our job. 

So what do I consider acceptable worship? 

It’s not what’s acceptable to me that matters. It’s what lines up with scripture and what points people to Jesus. It’s not how others worship that matter to me, unless they’re apart of my congregation and they’re worship is disruptful or unbiblical. Many years ago we had a group come into our church to sing and one of the singers got “happy in the Lord” and ran the aisle. Then he slid into home plate. Literally! Slid down the aisle leaving black tread marks from his shoes on the carpet. The church janitor who had to scrub those black marks out of the carpet was not a happy camper. It turns out a few years later we found out that the aisle runner was having an affair with the lead singer… dear gussy! 

The question would be, was he happy in the Lord, or was he covering for sinful behavior? Again… that ain’t none of my business. But it calls into question, why people do what they do? God know the motive and that should scare false prophets to death. 

Now let me tell you of another time when I fake praised. I was struggling spiritually for reasons beyond my control. I didn’t want to bring attention to my issues because with attention would bring unwanted questions and hard feelings when I’d have to say why I couldn’t say. So I fake praised, and it was no doubt apparently fake. But nobody questioned and I was cool. Right or wrong, God will have to decide. As will he on the cause of all others who praise without the Spirit’s involvement. 

I guess that’s a pretty lengthy blog post today, but I really needed to get it off my mind. And I pray it helps you when it comes to your relationship with God. Worship in Spirit and Truth. And that alone. Amen.

Posted in Christian Service, Church attendance, Church Unity, Evangelism, Fear, Life Inspiration, Praise, Word of God, worship

What’s Your Norm?

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Today begins a new experience for my beloved Victory Baptist Church Worshipers. A day where we meet online in stead of in person and my emotions about this have run the gauntlet. I usually love new adventures, but this one not so much. I love social media, but today, it feels cold and sterile. It disrupts the norm, which in truth, God’s really not about the “norm” is He? God likes to upset apple carts. 

Now let me preface todays blog by saying I don’t think God created COVID-19. That sounds more like the handiwork of Satan. He loves his triple “D” tactics, death, disease and despair. He loves it when people are panicked and I have no doubt that he loves the effect this has had on the church not being able to assemble themselves together as Hebrews 10:25 tells us to do.  So I’ve put a lot of thought into how our services are going to work today, and what will it be like. What should I wear? That was a big question! I know, ridiculous right? 

I’m not one who generally cares what anyone wears to church. And my warped sense of thinking is one that has me dressing to the 9’s on Sunday morning, but going in a more relaxed attire on Sunday Night and Wednesday. It’s a personal preference. I just don’t argue clothes. I think that is the least of the worlds problems. But for me it was a big deal this morning because, today is the new norm. And how I approach this service will be how the world sees it. Woah… that is a scary thought. 

So I went to the word to see what God thinks of worship services. 

The very first place worship is mentioned int he Bible is Genesis 22:5. And it’s a very fitting verse for today. I wanted to name this blog “Satan’s no good, very bad day.” Because it had to have been. The day that worship was instituted as a word, a way and a witness.

Genesis 22:5 KJV

And Abraham said unto his young men, Abide ye here with the ass; and I and the lad will go yonder and worship, and come again to you.

The Word Worship

Abraham left his men, and took his son and went out into the wilderness to worship. Hmmm. Just family. And not even all of them. Sarah was still at home. Abraham had been told to lay his son on the altar and sacrifice him to God. And in what is an unthinkable act, he was headed that direction. We of the church know that that is a symbolic act of what was to happen to God’s own son. Not Abraham’s son Isaac, for God provided a lamb! But my focus is on that time of worship. Following the realization that God had provided the Lamb, just as He did for us all through His Son Jesus Christ. What a reason to institute the word and the act of worship! What a service that must have been. I doubt he complained that it was only family. Because of that act we have victory over not only COVID19, but anything Satan puts in front of us. Including the fear. We have a worthy reason to praise God from our place today! 

The Way of Worship 

Oddly enough, there is no mention of what Abraham and Isaac wore. Only the act.

Genesis 22:10-12 KJV

[10] And Abraham stretched forth his hand, and took the knife to slay his son. [11] And the angel of the Lord called unto him out of heaven, and said, Abraham, Abraham: and he said, Here am I. [12] And he said, Lay not thine hand upon the lad, neither do thou any thing unto him: for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.

My soul shuddered when I read those words. My eyes welled with tears. Thinking how far off we are from what true worship should be. It’s not who’s there, or where “there” is. It’s whether or not you have laid it all on the altar. That is the way of worship. Is every fiber of your being in it? Abraham’s literally was. He was about to slay his own son that he had prayed for and loved. So I have to ask myself this question today. What am I bringing to the service this morning? That is the way of worship.

Forget the fact there will only be a few of us in the building. Who knows who might be out there in cyber land and above all, God will be there! 

The Witness of Worship

That’s what today will be about. It’s our opportunity for the world to see that it’s not man we come to church for. It’s the Lord God Himself. He alone! That is the witness that we need to bring in our cyber services. Lord, You are Worthy.

Yes, it was no doubt a “No good very bad day” for Satan on that day in the wilderness. Because Abraham and his son instituted the act that Satan hates. The very thing that he desires and will never experience, because God alone is worthy.

So… whether you’re dressed to the 9’s or sitting on the couch in your pj’s don’t stress it. But as you listen to the word being preached, remember that day int he wilderness when one man was willing to lay it all on the altar, and that day on the cross when one Man did. 

Glory! Let’s worship together!!!!

Posted in Bible Journaling, Church attendance, Life Inspiration, Praise

It’s Not about Us this Morning

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A quick drawing and a quick thought this morning as I prepared my heart for church. I needed to remember, and perhaps you do as well, that God’s idea of mercy and mine are two entirely different notions. Mine has limitations, His goes higher than my mind can fathom.

As I prepare my heart for worship, Satan loves nothing better than to bring my failures into view in hopes that rather than glorifying God, I’ll remember me. But the fact of the matter God has thrown them as far as the east is from the west.

Now let’s go to church and praise Him for it.

Posted in Bible Journaling, Christian Service, worship

The Offering

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Some of the Old Testament is often difficult for me to relate to because it’s so different than how we relate to God today. We are so blessed by grace! A fact that is made all the more clearer as I read the worship experience in the days of Ezekiel.

Through the closing chapters of Ezekiel God is laying out prophesy and Christ like illustrations. Typification that is easily seen from this side of grace. It causes me to wonder what it was like to view it from God’s side of Heaven.

Ezekiel 45:20-25

And so thou shalt do the seventh day of the month for every one that erreth, and for him that is simple: so shall ye reconcile the house. In the first month, in the fourteenth day of the month, ye shall have the passover, a feast of seven days; unleavened bread shall be eaten. And upon that day shall the prince prepare for himself and for all the people of the land a bullock for a sin offering. And seven days of the feast he shall prepare a burnt offering to the Lord, seven bullocks and seven rams without blemish daily the seven days; and a kid of the goats daily for a sin offering. And he shall prepare a meat offering of an ephah for a bullock, and an ephah for a ram, and an hin of oil for an ephah. In the seventh month, in the fifteenth day of the month, shall he do the like in the feast of the seven days, according to the sin offering, according to the burnt offering, and according to the meat offering, and according to the oil.

There is no doubt in my mind that the formality and pomp of this event was amazing. Should not our worship experience of modern day be every bit as glorious? So why is it not? Likely because we don’t see the blood as we should. The blood of that day was likely not such a glamorous viewpoint but the reality that something died for your sin.

I must confess that blood makes me squeamish. Even that of hamburger or any other raw meat. I just don’t have the stomach for it. But I deal with it. So I praise God that our worship of today and the sacrifice that our Lord and Savior made on the cross over 2000 years ago, covers our sin; and I don’t have to deal with the blood of goats and cows! But the blood must still be recognized.

God’s View

When God looked over the balcony of Heaven as the children of Israel made their sacrifice He knew the rebellion of His people wasn’t over. He knew that that blood was a temporary atonement for continual problem. He could see the coming atonement that was a permanent solution to an ongoing problem.

As I read the details of the offerings and the feasts and it goes on and on and I get burdened in my mind from what seems like more information than I currently need. And then I think about my God. The God Who is in every detail of my life. All the piddley little things that are so unimportant in the scope of eternity and yet He cares. How can I not care about every little detail of a sacrifice that set the example of what His Son did for me so that I could have peace for the day and hope for eternity? God’s view then, is my view now, even though mine is from earth, I can see it just as clearly as God did from Heaven.

God’s Vow

 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

The final sacrifice. No more critters. No more pomp and circumstance over the blood of animals. No more separation from God! No more necessity of a man on earth to make our intercessions to God. We alone can approach the altar of grace from anywhere we are, in any state of condition that we’re in because Christ made the ultimate sacrifice and God make the ultimate promise. It was finished! He opened the door of the throne of grace for every child that accepted Him as Lord and Savior and the door would never again be closed.

God’s Victory

1 Corinthians 15:55

O death, where is thy sting? O grave where is thy victory?

1 Corinthians 15:57

But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Having just lost another family member this week, these verses provide fresh hope. Not just victory over death, but victory over every day living. All the struggles I face. All the times I just don’t get it, and I fail God miserably. He is there for all of it. He has me covered. His offering was enough. “It is finished!” He said on the cross. And I am so grateful…

Posted in Bible Journaling, Christian Service

God’s Protocol For Worship

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion 2 Comments on God’s Protocol For Worship

Psalm 100

Below is my study of Psalm 100 that I’ll be using for the teen class tonight. Perhaps it will stir some thoughts in you to draw you into that spirit of worship our souls long for! It certainly did mine as I studied His word.

ENJOY!!!!

Protocol defined: the official procedure or system of rules governing affairs of state or diplomatic occasions.

Who set the protocol for worship? The word of God.

1 Make a joyful noise unto the Lord, all ye lands.

2 Serve the Lord with gladness: come before his presence with singing.

3 Know ye that the Lord he is God: it is he that hath made us, and not we ourselves; we are his people, and the sheep of his pasture.

4 Enter into his gates with thanksgiving, and into his courts with praise: be thankful unto him, and bless his name.

5 For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.

Protocol 1 is

Make Noise!

There are many types of noises in the world, what do you consider a bad noise? (painful, loud, extreme, unnecessary)

Who do you think uses these noises and why? Satan of course!

What are some good noises?

Psalm 100:1 says to make a joyful noise unto the Lord. What do you consider a joyful noise to sound like?

Who should be shouting?

John Gill’s commentary said:

…all the inhabitants of the earth, who are called upon to shout unto him as their King; as the angels did at his birth, the disciples when he made his public entrance into Jerusalem, the apostles at his ascension to heaven, the saints when the marriage of him, the Lamb, will be come, and both men and angels when he shall descend from heaven to judge the world; and such a joyful noise or shout should be made unto him as to a triumphant conqueror, who has got the victory over sin, Satan, death, and the grave, and every enemy of his and his people, and made them more than conquerors through himself;

That reading should stir your heart when you think about the reasons we should make noise!

The 2nd Protocol in Psalm 100 for Worshipping the Lord is to

Serve Him

And to not just serve Him but to be happy about it.

Since serving God is a protocol, how do you want to serve Him?


Protocol Number 3 is to

Come before His presence

I think that speaks to our attendance as well as the recognition that while in attendance to church we expect God to be there and we treat the service accordingly.

How should we come into His presence?

Protocol Number 4 is

With singing

Everyone? Yes! Everyone on the platform? No!!!!!!

But there is not only safety in numbers there is also a blending of voices that covers a multitude of bad notes. Why do you think music is important to God?

How important is it to you?

Do you feel called into the music ministry?

Do you understand what a calling is?

Protocol number 5 is to

Know

Know what? Know that the Lord is God! That’s a must to understand the calling on your life. You have to frist be saved, and then get to know the Lord so that when He speaks, you understand it is Him.

Have you ever felt the Lord speaking to you?

How would you describe it?

Do you think people misunderstand the Lord’s calling on their life? Why?

Protocol Number 6

Enter with Thanksgiving

What are some reasons that we have to be thankful as we come into the building and worship service?

The final Protocol in Psalm 100 is number 7, we should

Bless His Name

We always ask the Lord to bless us, but do we ever think about blessing Him?

What are ways we can bless Him?

The final verse of Psalm 100 gives us 3 reasons we should worship the Lord and have an attitude of worship.

Because He is good

(even when the world around us isn’t)

Because He is merciful

(every day we stand in need of it)

Because He is truth

(The world may be filled with lies, but the word of God is filled with nothing but truth.)

A Study with Shari Johnson (The Jesus Chick)

www. the Jesus Chick.com (Please share my ministry page!)

Posted in Bible Journaling, Life Inspiration, worship

Social Media Saints

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on Social Media Saints

I am guilty of only posting the pretty pictures. I don’t post the countless times I wad up a disfigured Jesus Chick or other images that don’t measure up. If someone takes a picture of my bad side, which can actually be any side that I don’t deem myself “pretty” I don’t post it and I’m quick to delete it off my phone before someone accidently on purpose stumbles across it. Are not our lives much the same way?

We let people see the “pretty” side of our selves. The one who is made up and picture perfect on Sunday morning, but what about the one that breaks down into tears on Monday because their world just ain’t right? Oh… that one.

No, nobody needs to see that, right?

Yesterday as I loaded yet another load of laundry for two obviously very dirty people into the dryer I felt a knot in my throat and tears well up in my soul. There was no reason. Other than I just felt overwhelmed.

I quickly sucked it up, started a new load of laundry and told myself, you don’t have time for that.

This morning as I loaded the dishwasher, for obviously very hungry people, the Spirit spoke to me and said, “just be real.”

I scroll through the countless images of Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Listen to the ranting of crazy people and realize that there doesn’t seem to be a happy medium. There’s either the beautiful, seemingly perfect families or the nutcases.

I sing this song at the Long Term Care on Monday’s that the residents just love. I didn’t add it to my repertoire for a couple of years for fear it would offend. It’s called “Who do you think you’re foolin” by Joe Mullins and the Radio Ramblers. When I played the last note yesterday, the little old lady behind me yelled, “We need more like that!”

I realized then, and again this morning that people want the truth, not just the pretty images of Christianity. They need to hear that all of us have moments of sorrow, confusion and days that we too would be nutcases if we weren’t Spirit controlled preventing us from publishing that nutcase rant of reality.

Isaiah 57:15

For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth eternity, whose name is Holy; I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite ones.

Two quick points to ponder before you post today.

The Sprit of the Humble

I love humble people. People who don’t lift themselves above others but realize that we are at best sinners saved by grace. There is also a humility we all tend to ignore and avoid whenever possible, and that is the humility of allowing people to see the brokenness within us. That life hurts sometimes.

I’m always careful to buy waterproof mascara for fear of the black clown face that can occur when that spirit of humility takes over. I waterproof my social media post too. But what we miss when we do this the spirit of revival. God will revive the spirit of the humble… not the proud.

The Heart of the Contrite

To have a contrite spirit is to be crushed and broken. Hello? My thinking is the only people who want the world to see that is the nutcase “ranters” who make me shake my head.

My thinking is wrong.

There has to be a happy medium and I see it once in a while. When someone just gets real for the sake of encouraging others. In that process they do not drag someone else into their post, it’s about their relationship with God, not man. God uses broken vessels to let the water of life pour out for others to drink and have their souls revived as well.

After my open heart surgery my water intake was extremely limited. Prior to that I didn’t even like water, but suddenly I craved it, and still do. Their denial of that life giving substance, though it was for my own good, caused me to desire it more.

The more dry and broken we become the greater desire we have to be revived. But you can ignore it until it becomes the norm. Oh… how often I’ve seen that across the churches of America. They only want the pretty Sunday’s, not the ones where broken people get revived and give control to the Spirit of God. It is then that rantings are replaced with the testimonies of broken people being healed, tears flow and God is welcomed into that place and He shows up in a mighty way.

Do we want that?

I don’t want people to air dirty laundry on social media, but it would be good if people shared  a trial and how God brought them through. We all have struggles. People need to see they can have victory too.

Share yours today!

Posted in Church attendance, Leadership, Life Inspiration, Praise

Another Sunday in the Books

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on Another Sunday in the Books

Another Sunday in the books. And what will be done for the cause of Christ? My heart is burdened for the state of the churches of America. Few and far between do you see the fires of revival in the house of God. Churches linger somewhere between social clubs and legalistic mindsets that, though they preach grace alone for salvation, works is mingled in in the form of man’s opinions of acceptable church behaviors. I’m bordering on meddling this morning and I really don’t want to go there. I just want to experience Jesus this morning for myself and others. I want to feel the Holy Spirit stir the congregations of God to the point of Amen Hallelujah! And a lined altar of worshipers.

In 1 Kings, Chapter 8, when Solomon had finished the temple and stood before the people dedicating it to the Lord, he had the attitude that should be the attitude of the churches of America. We are free. Although the world around us is in captivity, and there is trouble in abundance; through the grace of Jesus Christ we are free indeed. We’ve lived in the land of Egypt where sin held us captive and there was no hope until we made Jesus our Savior. Why would we not stand, shout and rejoice in Him this morning. Another Sunday in the books and what will our story tell?

1 Kings 8:54-60

Hands of Praise

54 And it was so, that when Solomon had made an end of praying all this prayer and supplication unto the Lord, he arose from before the altar of the Lord, from kneeling on his knees with his hands spread up to heaven.

The altar for me is often a place of repentance, and it should be, but it should be a place of praise and gratitude. When Solomon stood up with the where the Spirit of the Lord had been on him like a thick cloud, he went from his knees, a place of humbleness to the position of praise and rejoicing for what the Lord has done.

Throughout the service today our hands should be raised in praise that we are free to hear the word of God and speak His name without fear of persecution and arrest that so many others around the world are facing. Solomon’s father David had been a man of war. How many of our family and friends from ages past fought for the right we have today.

Voices of Praise

55 And he stood, and blessed all the congregation of Israel with a loud voice, saying,

56 Blessed be the Lord, that hath given rest unto his people Israel, according to all that he promised: there hath not failed one word of all his good promise, which he promised by the hand of Moses his servant.

More importantly, not one word failed that was spoken by the Lord Jesus Christ! How worthy is He to be praised this morning. When the word of God is preached there should be shouts of glory! Yes in an order that allows the word to be preached without distraction, but if the Spirit is moving, the unsaved need to hear that when the word of God moves a child of God, He is worthy to be praised! Quench not the Spirit the word says!

A Cause for Praise

57 The Lord our God be with us, as he was with our fathers: let him not leave us, nor forsake us:

58 That he may incline our hearts unto him, to walk in all his ways, and to keep his commandments, and his statutes, and his judgments, which he commanded our fathers.

59 And let these my words, wherewith I have made supplication before the Lord, be nigh unto the Lord our God day and night, that he maintain the cause of his servant, and the cause of his people Israel at all times, as the matter shall require:

60 That all the people of the earth may know that the Lord is God, and that there is none else.

There is no other God besides the Lord Jesus Christ. We serve the One and Only! Glory to God is that not reason enough? But couple that with the fact that we not only serve the One and Only, we are privileged to carry Him with us and have a relationship of Friend and Father that no other religion is privileged to have. The Creator of the universe is in our presence, a joy far greater than earthly royalty, and we are the honored guests.

I have to get ready for church else I’ll be late. But please, praise Him today like you’re in the greatest concert of your life. Because His word should be a such a song in your heart that you’re bubbling over today!

Posted in Bible Journaling, Leadership, Life Inspiration, Uncategorized, worship

Getting the Spirit Back Where He Belongs

Written by talk2shari Published Discussion Leave a Comment on Getting the Spirit Back Where He Belongs

I refuse to be a judger of men when it comes to how other people and churches conduct themselves in services. I will only stand before God for the manner in how I conducted myself, and how I, as a leader, lead others. A lesson King David learned when he attempted to bring the Ark home from Kirjath-jearem. Uzzah lost his life because of David’s error in leadership. Uzzah was a Levite, but not a priest, who had been ordered to carry the Ark. One stumble of the oxen, one touch to the hallowed property of God and a man was dead. God takes order serious. (1 Chronicles 13)

Now I realize we’re not in Old Testament times, we no longer live by the law, but when I looked at the original church (Israel) it reminded me very much of the mega churches of today that so many people are critical of. I have to wonder if they’d be so critical of a mega church if it were theirs? But back to my point: be it mega or a little country church up the hollow, God still expects order.

David finally caught onto that the second time he brought up the Ark when he said in 1 Chronicles 15:13, “For because ye did it not at the first, the Lord our God made a breach upon us, for that we sought him not after the due order.”

So the order was fulfilled and the Ark and the presence of God was back where it belonged! Is that not what we want in our churches? The presence of Almighty God! Certainly it doesn’t require an Ark, but I still think it requires order.

The presence of God is carried within each child of God. What Uzzah couldn’t touch, because of the blood of Jesus, we are allowed to carry. My how things have changed.

Titles have changed within the church; we no longer have Priests but Pastors, Bishops, preachers, teachers, deacons, trustees and others who are put into place to hold order inside the church. The New Testament is clear about the order of the church (1 Tim. 3:1-12) with Christ always as the Head of the church. And those things will often be in line (for the most part) and yet the Spirit of God will not be felt. Then other churches will not have all things in line, and yet the Spirit of God will be felt. What’s the deal?

That was my question to God this morning?

Then like a brick off the brick yard being hurled at my mind an answer came.
“I’m no longer in the box. So stop putting Me there.”

God, through the sacrifice of His Son has made Himself personally touchable to everyone who has accepted Him as Lord. The problem is, those who carry Him into the church, don’t touch Him. They don’t stir up the Spirit within, they just let Him sit there inside of them, waiting for church to be over, all the while the Spirit cries “I want to be loosed!” And it is those who find criticism for the wild behaviors in mega churches, which I too believe may cross a line not intended by God. So who’s right and who’s wrong? I’ll let God decide.

I do however know in my heart that God intended for no man to take the Spirit of God for granted. When David returned with the Ark, there was music, dancing, instruments and shouting and it upset Michal, David’s wife. There will likely always be someone who “doesn’t get it.” It didn’t stop David and it shouldn’t stop us.

God’s mega church of the Old Testament had order. It had leadership and small groups, and all things had honor and respect for God. God is still every bit as Holy today as He was then, the only difference is we are granted far greater access as commoners by the cross. How we treat Him matters and the world needs to see a difference in how we approach Him and how we react when we get there. Less He be considered no different than the gods of this world.