Use What He Has Already Given

Colossians 3:15-17 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.

There once was a wealthy business man named Red who used his money and time to make his city a better place.  He supported the Little League teams and charities around town as well as giving to the down and out.  Everyone respected him and he was greatly loved for his kindness.  One day, after leaving a ball game a man came up to Mr. Red and asked him for $20 to buy milk for his children.  Red looked over at the car that was full of the man's children and wife.  But he knew the man's bad gambling habits, so he said, "Now, you know if I give you that $20, you are going right over there and placing a bet on the horses!"  But the man shook his head, patted his pockets and said, "No sir Mr. Red, I've got money to gamble with, I just need some to buy milk for the kids!"

Something like that makes you want to shake your head in frustration at people doesn't it?  That man had money for his vice, but wanted someone else to take care of his needs.  I don't think Mr. Red gave him the $20 and I don't know what ever happened to the gambler, but we all can take a lesson from this true story.

You and I go to God over and over again when we are in a crisis.  We beg friends to pray, we go to the altar and we cry out about our urgent need.  The preacher will get up and preach a sermon that is supernaturally sent from God through the pulpit straight to us, but we are not listening.  We are too busy worrying over the current malady in our lives.  We think the sermon is for some other poor soul in the church house, not us.  I wonder how many times we miss God's answer because the word of Christ isn't dwelling in us richly?

I found myself reading the Bible earlier, but not really reading it.  My mind had begun thinking about something else while my eyes continued to roam the verses in front of me.  I stopped, started over and did the same exact thing again!  I apologized to the Lord for my weakness and asked Him to help me pay attention.  He knows we are but flesh and He will have compassion when He wants to, but one of these days He is going to judge us.  He won't be put off forever. 

Are you sitting with the answer to your life, yet begging for more?  Are you holding the Truth, yet not acknowledging it?  Let's hit the reset button in our lives and make sure we are not just holding the Truth, but obeying it.  Our lives could be changed and our needs may have already been met!

Be sure to use what God has given you instead of asking for more before you go about your week.  If you have faith, use it!  If you have been shown grace, show it to someone else.  Then go boldly to the throne when you need to, He will be there and He will listen!

Until next time, Lord willing,
Sheri

Build or Not Build? That is the Question?

Ne 1:1-4 ¶ The words of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah. And it came to pass in the month Chisleu, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the palace, That Hanani, one of my brethren, came, he and certain men of Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews that had escaped, which were left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem. And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire.  And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven,

The Book of Nehemiah is certainly a challenging one to read, but the man Nehemiah, is extraordinary as the unusual character of a giant for our God surfaces very quickly. As women used of God and wanting to know Him better, we can open this treasure box, pick up one and then another, walking away a better woman today than yesterday. I can’t help but ask myself this question, “What walls need to be torn down, Sharon, and what walls need to be built?” Maybe, some walls need to be “rebuilt” in your life and in mine, as well.

 Nehemiah and Ezra were so used instrumentally in the lives of God’s remnant. We have to stop and take notice of God’s way, His provision and His purpose. He wasn’t born yesterday and isn’t going to die tomorrow, so, kick back and get ready for the long haul! He is omnipotent and will remain so until FOREVER! He is omnipresent and will remain so, FOREVER, and last but not least, He is omnipresent and will remain so FOREVER!  Don’t you just love it! He is our security when our wall is broken down, still smothered in ashes, with nowhere to go but into the arms of the GREAT I AM! Why would we want anything less than the best?

My husband gave me our tithe and faith promise envelope two weeks ago. Like a good wife, I was supposed to have taken care of it, but all of sudden on one of the busiest days of my life, I remembered that I couldn’t remember where I put it. Have you been there, too? The search began……oh me…..kindergarten graduation came and went….stacks of stuff everywhere….high school graduation came and went….more stuff stacked on more stuff…..and then the panic button hit me in the middle of the night. I don’t know about you, but I take a little pride in my organizational skills.  The more hats one wears the more racks to keep them, right? Wrong!  Sometimes, they just stack one on another, until we stop and take the time to re-organize what is important and toss what is NOT important, or else re-group the stacks.

Nehemiah was concerned for his people and the welfare of Jerusalem. He already had a stressful responsibility in being honored as the cupbearer for Artaxerxes. I commend the man, don’t you? I would like to share with you this week, from a woman’s world, a few truths that could be gleaned from this man, Nehemiah.

When he heard that the wall of Jerusalem was broken down and the gates were burned with fire, he became desperately concerned. He didn’t jump up and run to their rescue. As women used of God, we must stay in control or else everything around us will be in disarray.  We are not the Holy Spirit, but you and I have to admit that our spirits in our home pretty much set the atmosphere for the family. So why do we fall apart? There is no need to! If you have to regroup this one, then do it! Our God gives us example after example of people He chose to do a job, and He so graciously shares with us the good character of that person and oft times, the bad. We have a choice…….stay in control or NOT!

Nehemiah immediately sat down and wept and mourned when he heard the bad news. We can cry and mourn without pitching a fit and causing others to avoid us. Cry in the shower, if need be, but don’t mess up by being a mess! God isn’t asking us to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem, but He is commissioning us to encourage our husbands, our children and others. Who wants to be around a cry baby or a woman who constantly talks trash but claims to be a “Christian?”  Ask God to help you rebuild yourself if you struggle in being a woman who drags others down by dragging up garbage about yourself or about others. Leave it in the dung pile!

BUILD, DON’T TEAR DOWN!!!!

Next time we will continue in picking up some more truths from Nehemiah’s treasure box.

Until that time, Lord willing……

Sharon

Weekend Getaway # 20

Jake's Place

Matthew 5:14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

2 Corinthians 4:3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:

My Uncle Gene was visiting the Northeast one time and he and his wife got up one morning looking for a place to eat breakfast.  They drove and drove along the roads and couldn't find a restaurant anywhere.  Finally, my uncle saw a small sign on a tree that said, "Jake's Place".  He looked at his wife and they decided to take the chance.  They drove and drove until eventually they saw a house that had a lot of cars parked in front of it.  When they entered the small building the folks inside just stared at them.  Uncle Gene was a big man who I imagine just stared right on back!  Well, he and his wife sat down and noticed a man behind the counter cooking and an older woman cleaning tables, so they waited for someone to come and take their order.  They waited and waited until finally my uncle leaned over to another patron sitting near him and asked, "What does a body have to do for someone to take their order here?"  The gentlemen replied that no one would wait on them, if he wanted something he had to go to the counter and order it from the old man cooking.  So, my uncle went up to the counter and the old man asked him what he would have.  Uncle Gene was ordering two eggs over easy when the old man stopped him and said, "No sir, eggs come only one way here, scrambled."  Seeing the writing on the wall, so to speak, my uncle agreed to the scrambled eggs and went and sat down once again to a long wait.  He leaned over to the same patron and asked, "How long does it take to scramble eggs in this joint?"  The man said, "Not long, but you have to go up there and get them, they don't bring your food to you."  In frustration, Uncle Gene got back up and sure enough, there was his breakfast cooked and waiting.  As he told this story to my dad he said, "Jake's Place, sure won't ever forget ole Jake's Place!" 

That is a cute story, but has a powerful illustration in it.  I have seen the same type of things happen inside a church house.  People who are seeking Christ and are hungry and thirsty for something to change their lives will show up unannounced at a church service and everyone just stares at them.  Maybe because they aren't in their Sunday best or maybe have a tattoo and piercings.  We look at them as if they are martians from another planet instead of asking them if they'd like a seat by us.  We let them sit there wondering what is going on instead of offering to introduce them to the Preacher or shake their hands.  We are guilty of hiding our lights and hiding the precious Gospel of the Lord.

Next time you see someone struggling to get to know the Lord, why not help them out?  Don't cower in your pew or wherever you may be and hide the LIGHT!  NO!!!  Shine it bright, show the way and lead someone to find the straight path and the narrow gate.  They are stumbling and looking for it, so don't just stare, HELP!

We don't want to be like ole Jake's Place and make the Gospel hard for people to find.  We need to proclaim it, show it and be an example of it. 

Until Next Time, Lord Willing,
Sheri

Settled in Christ

1Pe 5:10 But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you.

A sweep of musical birds was heard while the morning light peeked through the trees. The previous evening rain was so welcomed not only by our garden but by the variety of fruit trees which beautify our back yard. Birds and squirrels scampered about and I was blessed to witness it all! God, only God can create such beauty and allow such peace which comes from knowing Him and loving Him. The older I get the more I enjoy the little things.  It’s as if God has said, “Sharon, settle down now, just settle down. Everything is going to be alright!”

My daughter and I sat on the back porch with our coffee trying to enjoy every minute while she visited from Brazil and the age old question came up, “Mom, how many generations will pass and they just won’t get it? Remember the youth in the 70’s and then the 80’s and worse in the 90’s and now another generation. How many times will we have to say the same thing?”

I stopped to ponder that question and asked God, “Lord, how many generations will you allow to ignore your way, the only true way? Will there always be a remnant who will grab the truth, eat it, digest it and clear the path for the next generation? How long Lord will you tarry and delay your return? How do you put up with the likes of man who rejects such love?”

And it hit me between the eyes…..”For as long as I SAY and for as long as it takes!”

God started it all and He WILL finish it all. In the meantime, we just need to settle down in Him and keep preaching the Word, living it day in and day out. It is difficult at times as we see our world, especially our churches falling apart, but we CANNOT give up. Our families, our friends, those ahead of us and behind us must see our example as a true witness of the Lord Jesus Christ in us.  

Zec 1:4 Be ye not as your fathers, unto whom the former prophets have cried, saying, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Turn ye now from your evil ways, and from your evil doings: but they did not hear, nor hearken unto me, saith the LORD.
Zec 1:5 Your fathers, where are they? and the prophets, do they live for ever?
Zec 1:6 But my words and my statutes, which I commanded my servants the prophets, did they not take hold of your fathers? and they returned and said, Like as the LORD of hosts thought to do unto us, according to our ways, and according to our doings, so hath he dealt with us.

You may be small in number where you live, but remember this, you are God’s remnant. In the Old Testament before Christ appeared, God is the majority and in the New Testament where Christ was born, died and is now raised from the dead, He is still the majority.

De 7:7 The LORD did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because ye were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people:
De 7:8 But because the LORD loved you, and because he would keep the oath which he had sworn unto your fathers, hath the LORD brought you out with a mighty hand, and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Pharaoh king of Egypt.

Just as God promised the children of Israel before the Messiah came, so He promises us who have known Jesus Christ and accepted Him as our personal Savior. His love carries us through to the end whether by death or His return. When everyone else begins to move the old landmarks, stay true to God’s way. Don’t move, don’t give in, don’t let go, keep trucking in His path, the old path.

De 10:12 ¶ And now, Israel, what doth the LORD thy God require of thee, but to fear the LORD thy God, to walk in all his ways, and to love him, and to serve the LORD thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul,

God continues to give Himself every day whether we give Him ourselves every day or not! He is true to His Word! He comes to us by way of His Holy Spirit. Don’t miss the little things He sends your way today. Be ready to receive His love through others, through His creations such as the birds, the squirrels or whatever romps or roams in your yard. Sit down with Him, talk to Him, pick up His Words and allow Him to settle you.

“Lord, I’ll breathe your air today and enjoy whatever you send my way because I am settled in You and there is complete rest because of your love for me.”

Until next time, Lord willing….

Sharon

Delivery Man

Matthew 28:19-20 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

When I am stateside I have a list to accomplish.  Mark has things he wants me to get here and bring back to Brazil and people at church put in orders for perfumes, clothing, etc. for me to buy for them.  I found a way to save time by shopping through the internet and letting UPS or the postal service bring the items to me instead of me running all over town trying to find them.  Sometimes we arrive at the door and there will be a package waiting, sometimes we are there when the doorbell rings.  Either way, the package is delivered and I am satisfied.

I got to thinking about how much time and effort I put into making sure I get everything I need while I am in Florida.  I have nightmares that I have caught the plane and am in Brazil and have left everything behind that I was supposed to bring with me.  It is silly!  But it shows how consumed my mind is with my "lists". 

But do you know something?  There is not one thing on my list that is as important as a soul.  Nothing.  And there is nothing on your "to do list" that is as important as another soul either!  We should deliver good words to people, yes.  We should deliver kindness and comfort when people are grieving, yes.  But we cannot over look the importance of being a delivery man for the Gospel. 

I recently put in an order for some English tracts so that I could be leaving the Gospel around town.  Yesterday I had the opportunity to place a tract on the table after eating lunch and I walked out and forgot.  A couple hours later I remembered but it was too late.  It was an opportunity missed.  The Lord forgave me, but I felt horrible.  And I should!  We all need to remember we are commanded by Christ to be His Delivery People for the Gospel. 

If we will put our priorities in order we will find our vision being shifted from ourselves and towards others and the lost.  Don't waste any opportunity to share God with someone.  Even when your stomach feels like it will literally fly right out of your throat and your palms get all sweaty, say something about the Lord.  Share salvation and be a delivery man for the Lord!  If they don't listen, leave a tract, but make sure to deliver something!

Until next time, Lord willing!

Sheri

Scooped up by His Everlasting Arms

Da 10:19 And said, O man greatly beloved, fear not: peace be unto thee, be strong, yea, be strong. And when he had spoken unto me, I was strengthened, and said, Let my lord speak; for thou hast strengthened me.

2Ti 4:17 Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion.

Living on a farm can be quite adventurous for children. I loved running through the cow pastures and jumping the flowered cabbage heads in the fields. My three sisters and I roamed freely over the 25 acres but every now and then I would hide from the others just to be alone and away from the hustle of it all.  Daddy was smarter than my six year old brain and always kept a third eye on us young ones. My imaginary friend and I would often lie flat on our stomachs and lap the water from the stream that flowed right behind the house into the fields. Today my friend and I were small kittens thirsty from playing too hard. Tomorrow we would transform into much larger animals kin to our milk cow, Buttercup.  In the fields, I could become anyone and anything my imagination so desired.

As I pushed my nose and mouth into the stream’s water, I was quickly scooped up by the strong hand of my Dad. I didn’t kick and scream but was startled when Daddy interrupted my desperate need for the refreshing water.  He had been watching me the whole time, but when he saw a venomous water moccasin just yards away, he knew he had to act quickly. There was no time to get his gun and shoot the deadly enemy. I would have been bitten had Daddy not been watching and acting quickly for my good.

The slithering enemy kept moving, past us to another destiny. While we turned back to the house, Daddy warned me about lying in the tall grass fields especially close to the water. Now that I think about it, my imaginary friend checked out as well. I never heard from her again.  

2Ti 4:18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work, and will preserve me unto his heavenly kingdom: to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

I don’t know about you, but I love my heavenly Father for keeping an eye on me, every day, 24/7. Don’t you? Even when danger lurks before us, behind and all around us, He is there to scoop us up into his everlasting arms of love.

De 33:27 The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms; and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them.

Folks, you can bank on it! God’s Word is true. Have you had difficulty believing Him lately because your imaginary friend keeps pumping you with lies? Why do we ignore picking up the Bible and reading it and believing it was written just for us! Oh my, we miss the blessing and could be struck by the enemy because we are caught off guard. It just isn’t worth it, is it?

Read with me the following verses and be strengthened by His everlasting arms!

Ps 116:7 Return unto thy rest, O my soul; for the LORD hath dealt bountifully with thee.

      His work is our rest. Don't forget that!
Ps 116:8 For thou hast delivered my soul from death, mine eyes from tears, and my feet from falling.
Ps 116:9 I will walk before the LORD in the land of the living.

     Claim His promise of watch care for you. You think you can’t do it but reach out for the tissue, wipe your eyes so you can see, lift one foot in front of the other and start walking, one step at a time. After a while, you will run with the best! Do you know why? It is HIS strength, not yours!! You WILL succeed because the work is right before you. Remember, strength comes from Him. Therefore, anything done in you belongs to Him as YOU give Him glory!

“Lord I accept your strength and will crawl up in your arms, everlasting arms of love.”

Until next time, Lord willing….

Sharon