Monday, April 30, 2012

“A Prayer For Happiness”

In our church services this morning our pastor included in his prayer a plea to God that I have recently been trying to explain in my own words. The plea was this. “God help us to live a happy life and not be ashamed about our past sins.” I have always believed that God forgives all sins when people sincerely repent, but no matter how hard we may try to live the perfect life, the scares of our sins remain. No one who has truly repented and is trying to live an exemplary life can keep a regrettable past hidden. Some may believe that all sin is equal. I have to disagree with that. I would rather face a judge with a misdeanure charge than a felony charge. I would rather be a person of lawful sin than one of unlawful sin. In my way of thinking there are many terrible things that one can do without breaking the law of the land, but those terrible things breaks God’s law. God also judges from the degree of sin. Anyone who has had a shameful past will always be tormented by it in some way. That is why I plead with younger people especially, not to indulge in making tattoos on their bodies or having sex before marriage. Both can cause one to regret and be ashamed for life. Just because this is the year of 2012 is no sign that God has changed. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. These two sins along with several others can put scars on people that will follow them to the grave. That is why myself and pastor Dan ask God to help us live a happy life and not be ashamed of our past. I am not or have never been a seeker of popularity. My messages have caused me to be very unpopular, but I am determined to get God’s word out to those who honesty don’t know right from wrong. I do have scars of sin in my life, but I thank God that they are covered by Jesus’ blood. I thank God also that I was taught at a young age the principles of good morals.

God bless

Myrtle Jean Sharp

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

"You Tube Next Best To Being There"

“

　

I was honored to be invited to a Kay and Britt Rice lecture featuring James Carville and Mary Matalin on February 24, 2012. The event was held at the Annenberg Presidential Conference Center at the George Bush Presidential Library Center. The program was sponsored by the George Bush Presidential Library Foundation. I was not able to attend this special event, but I did watch it on You Tube. I was impressed when James Carville and wife, Mary Matalin entered the stage. They both presented a personal savvy that was untouchable. I had seen this couple on TV many times, but not to compare with this explicit style. They both pleased my happy spot and I am still energized by their rare courage. Mary is a republican strategist and political commentator and James is a democratic strategist and political commentator. This couple have been married for several years, and I suppose have never had a disagreement. Is there a lesson to be learned by most of us? “Love covers a multitude of political differences.” If James can just keep both of his legs from going to sleep and if Mary can keep her behind bouncing there is no telling what this couple can accomplish.

Hats off to Mary Matalin and James Carville.

Myrtle Jean Sharp

Sunday, April 22, 2012

"Never Enter a Race Without Certainty of Winning"

A bold statement to make, but certainly a requirement. Winning is achieved by never giving into despair. If a contest is open to any who may wish to enter, and if seemingly you have no qualifications, except a burning desire to defeat the challenger, “go giant go.” If you are headstrong, obstinate and dangerously self-opinionated, you are qualified. If your reason for winning is worth fighting for, go with a mind-set to win. A courageous attitude with gather a lot of fuel needed to win a race.

I am writing this article with a past experience of my own in winning a race. It was not one that I want to boast about, but I can truly say I made the valiant effort to lead a group of people to the victory line. I had a good reason for winning and was chosen to take a leading part. I felt confident before I accepted the challenge. Not everyone felt that way about me, but I was the one to decide if I was capable or not. The choice is mine and yours. Do we want to make a difference in this world? There is always something we can do to fulfill that desire. The most important thing is perseverance. If we set a goal for ourselves it’s a lot easier to accomplish our mission. We will stay focused on the right picture we want to paint. A picture perfect of our minds faithful expressions.

I challenge you today to pick a mission you want to travel on. Keep in mind rewards come with , “mission accomplished.” While you are helping someone else to achieve, you are receiving an honorary award. Every good person deserves a good taste of flattery once and awhile, so be ready to accept with gratefulness.

Respectfully

Myrtle Jean Sharp

Sunday, April 8, 2012

"Easter At First Christian Church Perryton Texas"

Today a beautiful Easter Service at The First Christian Church, Perryton, Texas was presented. A large cart of multiple colored, live flowers was overflowing waiting to be passed out to every one attending the Special Easter Service. Every person would take their flowers to the front of the church and place them in a wire cross which represented the death and resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Even the little children were taking the time to place their flower in the right place they had chosen. The music was emotional as long lines of people waited to place their flowers in the cross. When all had finished with the offering of lovely flowers, the cross was lifted to the stage and remained through out the service. Rev. Dan Anderson concluded the service with a message that seemed to touch everyone in a personal way. The church was filled to capacity.Every person was wearing a glittering smile. Even a little eight month old baby boy was wanting to give everybody a, "high-five." How precious it was to be in the Easter Service this morning. My thoughts wondered about how much longer will we be privileged to enjoy such wonderful, uplifting services. I do beleive the hand of evil is at work today trying to take our most holy God and Savior away from us. My advice to all is, stand firm against every foe that tries to take away your faith in Jesus Christ. He lived, died and was resurrected for our sins, and that is the truth now and forever. Let us praise Him daily for His great love.
God bless
Jean Sharp

Thursday, April 5, 2012

"How Far is Far Enough"

How many times has many of us said, "that's it, I'm not going any farther, enough is enough?" A lot of people who have made this statement, unfortunately, have kept their word. Others don't seem to believe that they have a choice to quit forgiving. Jesus told the man who was questioning him about how many times must one forgive, " seven times seventy," was the answer. In other words, there is no place in your life that you can stop forgiving. "Then what about me," you may ask? "If no one is ever going to listen to me, then I'm through with them." I believe God gives us peace over our heavy burdens when we feel sure that we're being treated unfairly. We may not get it our way, but never doubt, God is the winner in the end. Those who wouldn't consider others feelings, maybe because they thought they were superior over others, just be sure they will suffer the consequences. A Godly hurt is better than a Satanic punishment. I personally know a few people who left this world being unforgiven by their loved ones. I also know some who left this world with unforgiving hearts. Some were parents who disowned their children because the child didn't live up to their standards. I can truly say that everyone who did not forgive has paid dearly.
I suppose God gave me this message for all who may be suffering now because of unfair consideration by some, while still others are trying to control the whole army and need to realize that God is real, and will really do what he says he will do. If any of you think that you are mightier than God, and know how to handle things better, woe! be unto you. Much sorrow will come to those who do not love and respect their brothers and sisters. God asks the question, "how can you say you love God when you love not your brothers and sisters?" I pray all who are reading this will stop and think about eternity. It is real and it is for everyone, both good and bad.
God bless
Jean Sharp

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

"If You Don't Use It You Lose It"

Many times I am reminded of this phrase. "If you don't use it you lose it." This morning I was awakend at 5:00 with these words coming to mind. What did it mean, I asked myself. Then I began to get an answer. Most everyone thinks of this phrase as being related to the physical body. If the body does not get the proper exercise it starts to lose muscle tone. In other words if one doesn't use their body energetically it becomes stiff and harder to manipulate. The brain requires the same kind of treatment. One must use the brain daily in a passionate manner or it becomes enslaved to the body. The body is totally useless without the brain. Both body and brain need to be exercised energetically every day. If not, it loses a lot of value to our society. As long as we keep trying we will be of some value to ourselves as well as to others. I believe everyone has talent. If we will just be ourselves, we will bring forth some good in this world. Let us never say, "if I can't be the best, I will quit trying." Louisa Alcott said it best. "Talent isn't genius, and no amount of energy can make it so. I want to be great, or nothing. I won't be a commonplace dauber, so I don't intend to try any more. The phrase is surely true, "if you don't use it you lose it." Let us all keep using what God has given us even if some think He hasn't given us anything.
God bless
Jean Sharp

Sunday, March 18, 2012

"Paul Did The Right Thing"

Paul’s Girdle

by Mike Verdicchio on September 8, 2011 Print this article

From the Category, “The Eastern Eye”
[The Bible is an “Eastern” book. It was written many years ago in the “East” which today we refer to as “The Middle East.” As such, there are many customs and idioms that are not familiar to the “Western” mind.
In understanding the Scriptures it is important for us to understand the culture, but it doesn't mean that we should necessarily follow that culture. Rather, it is in the understanding of the Eastern culture that we gain light and understanding about many things in the Bible.]
There is a very interesting event that is recorded in Acts 21. The Apostle Paul was staying in Caesarea at the home of Philip the Evangelist. Paul was on a journey to Jerusalem.
A prophet from Judea, named Agabus, came to the house with a message for Paul. However, the message he had for Paul was given to him in a rather dramatic fashion. Agabus took Paul’s girdle, bound his own hands and feet, and then told Paul, “Thus says the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owns this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.”
What was Paul’s “girdle?” We would call it a belt, or a sash or a cord. In many cases in Bible times, it was hollow, so the girdle served not only to secure flowing garments but also to carry money in.
There are other records in the Bible that show prophets delivering a message in a very dramatic way adding to their words something very visual. Isaiah, Ezekiel and others used this form of communication to call attention, to give a distinct and impressive idea of the subject, and, by engaging the imagination, to fix it in the memory.

What Was The Will Of God

So was Paul not supposed to go to Jerusalem? Was he wrong in going? Did he disobey God’s specific instructions?
Just a few days before arriving at Philip’s house, Paul was in the city of Tyre. While he was there, some disciples told Paul, through or by way of the Spirit, that he should not go to Jerusalem.
In the previous chapter, you can read of Paul getting information from God that if he went to Jerusalem, bonds and afflictions were waiting for him. God had warned him. Yet, Paul was determined to go to Jerusalem.
It is also very clear in Chapter 20 that it was Paul who decided to go to Jerusalem. It says that he determined to not go to Ephesus so that he could be in Jerusalem at the day of Pentecost. He was the one who decided to go to Jerusalem.
While in Miletus, he told them that he was going to Jerusalem, but that he was bound in the sprit. He was not free in the spirit, but rather he was bound. He even told them that God was revealing to him every day the consequences that would happen if he indeed went to Jerusalem.
So he proceeded on his journey. In Tyre, disciples told him by way of the Spirit not to go to Jerusalem. Then, the prophet Agabus gives Paul a message from God in a very dramatic fashion. The will of God for Paul is very clear.

The Conflict Over The Commas

Most Christians do not want to admit that Paul made a mistake by going to Jerusalem. So they ignore all the clear verses that show how God is trying to keep Paul out of Jerusalem, and instead focus on one verse, and let a punctuation mark settle the argument.
After all the daily warnings from God to Paul, as well warnings from others by way the spirit telling him not to go, then comes the dramatic warning from Agabus. Those who saw and heard what Agabus did began to cry and beg Paul not to go.
Paul’s reaction was very courageous. He asked them why they were crying and breaking his heart. He then told them he was not only ready to be bound at Jerusalem, but also to die.
Paul was very committed. His response to them at Phillip’s house sounds very courageous, but what good could Paul do for God if he were dead? How hindered would his ministry be if indeed he were bound as Agabus had foretold?
But alas, the next verse has a comma or two that many people use to “prove” that Paul going to Jerusalem was really the will of God. The verse, in the King James Version, says, “And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.” I don’t want to argue about commas, especially because in the original texts, there were no commas.
Adjusting the commas in that verse, or, even ignoring them, it could very easily read, “And when he would not be persuaded we ceased saying the will of the Lord be done.” In other words, Paul was not to be persuaded, so we stopped saying what the will of the Lord was.
Ignoring the many verses that clearly show what the will of the Lord was, and then using a comma or two to try and prove a point is a dishonest handling of the Scriptures.

Foretelling The Future

What Agabus foretold did indeed come to pass. That is the measure of a true prophet: what they declare will happen, does indeed happen. If it doesn’t come to pass, the Scriptures say to pay no attention to that prophet.
Today there are many voices coming from many places that are predicting and foretelling the future. Especially in reference to the worldwide economic crisis, you hear people making their predictions every day. Who are you listening to?
I do not claim to be a prophet; I am not predicting the future. But, like many, many people, I do believe there are some very serious days ahead before things can ever begin to turn around. And, I also know that our God is a very personal God.
Look at how God tried to get through to the Apostle Paul to save him from serious trouble. God did so much to keep him from going to Jerusalem. But, God did not overstep Paul’s free will.
God can give you guidance for your life, especially in these treacherous days that we live in. God’s love for you, just like His love for Paul, is unconditional and nothing can ever separate you from His love. But remember, God will not overstep your free will.
Put your confidence in God. Pay attention to His still small voice. Never be afraid to shift your direction for His direction.

Dueteronomy 18:22
When a prophet speaks in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD has not spoken, but the prophet has spoken it presumptuously: you shall not be afraid [have reverence or regard] of him.
Acts 20:15 and 16
And we sailed there, and came the next day over against Chios; and the next day we arrived at Samos, and tarried at Trogyllium; and the next day we came to Miletus.
For Paul had determined to sail by Ephesus, because he would not spend the time in Asia: for he hasted, if it were possible for him, to be at Jerusalem the day of Pentecost.
Acts 20:22-24
And now, behold, I go bound in the spirit unto Jerusalem, not knowing the things that shall befall me there:
Save that the Holy Ghost witnesses in every city, saying that bonds and afflictions abide me [if I go there].
But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
Acts 21:3 and 4
Now when we had discovered Cyprus, we left it on the left hand, and sailed into Syria, and landed at Tyre: for there the ship was to unlade her burden.
And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem.
Acts 21:8-15
And the next day we that were of Paul’s company departed, and came unto Caesarea: and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, which was one of the seven; and abode with him.
And the same man had four daughters, virgins, which did prophesy.
And as we tarried there many days, there came down from Judaea a certain prophet, named Agabus.
And when he was come unto us, he took Paul’s girdle, and bound his own hands and feet, and said, Thus says the Holy Ghost, So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man that owns this girdle, and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.
And when we heard these things, both we, and they of that place, besought him [Paul] not to go up to Jerusalem.
Then Paul answered, What mean you to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.
And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, The will of the Lord be done.
And after those days we took up our carriages, and went up to Jerusalem.

Mike Verdicchio
2011
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Resources There are a number of books that you can read to get insight on customs, manners, idioms and meanings from the Eastern culture in which the Bible was written. The best I know of were written by Bishop K. C. Pillai. I have had the pleasure of listening to many recorded teaching by him.
He wrote three books, and they are hard to find, and are usually over priced. But, if you want to you can check this link to see what Amazon has to offer. Light Through an Eastern Window
Another great resource that I have used for years is a book called, “Manners and Customs of the Bible,” by James Freeman. Mine was printed in 1972 and I know they have newer additions. For the newest edition, just click the link and it will take you to Amazon. The New Manners and Customs of the Bible (Pure Gold Classics)
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Tagged as: Acts 20, Acts 21, Acts 21:14, foretelling the future, paul's girdle, prophets foretelling

{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }

Jean Sharp March 18, 2012 at 7:29 pm: Your comment is awaiting moderation.
I am not a bible scholar, nor am I declaring that my divine wisdom is always correct, but here is my belief about Pauls journey to Jerusalem.The word plainly tells us that all sin has to be reaped. In other words even after we repent of our sins, and no matter how much good we do for God, we still have to bear the consequences of our past mistakes. Paul was a murder and killed many Christians before his converson. Even though God called him to be a special servant of His, and conditioned him for the new role, Paul still had acts of murder he had to pay for. I believe that is the case of every Christian today. Our past sins have been forgiven, but we still have the consequences to bear. The conscience is always ready to remind us of what we have already done, even though we never do those bad things again. That is why I make so many young boys and girls mad at me today. I want to impress upon them that the scriptures are one hundred percent true, and when it tells us,”that what-so-ever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. No one is exempt. Life for eveyone is, “bitter-sweet,” because all have sinned and come short of the Glory of God. God bless Jean Sharp