Mentoring Matters : Recent Episodes
Sharon Hoskins and Janie Ratzlaff
To know Christ and make Him known, sharing foundational tools to develop and maintain a Biblical Worldview from generation to generation.
“Be Anxious for Nothing but in Everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving let your request be made known” Philippians 4:6https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/MM_2026_08_08_Fear-and-Anxiety.mp3In these changing times, problems are commonplace, and anxieties can overwhelm. These words, “Be Anxious for Nothing,” address a situation within the church at Philippi between 2 women. The resolve was to be anxious for nothing and go to God for everything.Whether then or now, the Word of God remains timeless for the solutions to live in peace and be a guard for our hearts and minds.Let’s relieve the stress and tension that reside within us today as we apply the counsel from the Scriptures to live free from FEAR and Anxiety.
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/MM_2026_08_01_Anxious-for-Nothing.mp3We quote this verse a lot and probably think we are applying the Scripture in our circumstances the way the Apostle Paul described.However, we need to take a closer look at the details. Paul uses absolute words, such as NOTHING, not just a little bit sometimes. He further declares ALWAYS – there is to be a consistency in our thoughts originating in PRAYER; expressed through supplication and thanksgiving. Then, we are ready to make our request known in the manner that He longs to hear and answer.Today, let’s dive into what keeps us from taking the Words of Jesus, written by Paul, to see what it takes to make a really great faithful servant who is ANXIOUS FOR NOTHING.
“Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice! Have mercy also upon me, and answer me. When you said, “Seek My Face,” My heart said to You, “Your Face, Lord, I will seek.” Psalms 27:7-8https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/MM_2026_07_25_Steps-to-Maturity.mp3When we are drawn by the mercies of God and our salvation is secure and complete, we are just beginning the progression of growing in grace and knowledge as we apply the Scriptures to our daily lives.There are essentials for establishing our Father’s will in fulfilling our maturity that is well pleasing to Him, and it is easy to accept a path of comfort and miss the Master’s best.Join our discussion as we evaluate the stepping stones to maturity.
“That Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height – to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God” Eph. 3:17-19This week on Sharin’ Hearts Mentoring Matters, Janie and Sharon discuss the gift of being complete in Christ, with all godliness and love.Recognizing our position in Christ, being students of the Word, and committing quiet, still, alone time with Father God are vital for spiritual growth.Many times, we don’t grow because we are comfortable with where we are, but taking the time to “shop” the scriptures for something new will deepen our relationship with God and strengthen our daily walk with Him.
“Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near” Revelation 1:3This verse is an encouragement to read Revelation and to hear the words of its prophecy; it doesn’t say to read and understand fully all that is told. Many believers say that they are too afraid to read this book because they don’t understand it.Revelation is the revealing of Jesus Christ Himself. He is referred to as the Lamb 28 times in the book. It is evident that God wants us to know the redeeming work that was finished on the Cross by Jesus Christ, who came as a man, to become the Lamb, and redeem every man, woman, boy, and girl.Every generation needs to understand the matters of the past, present, and what is yet to be in the future. Ignorance of the past will blind us to see the present and cause history to repeat itself. It’s important to learn from our past and prepare for the future. Jesus is the hope and gives purpose to every generation.Photo by Jon Ratzlaff
“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” Revelation 1:8https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/MM_2026_07_04_The-Alpha-and-Omega.mp3From Genesis to Revelation, Jesus is made known. He is the subject of the entire Bible. He is the object of our faith. For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, Romans 11:36.Jesus was in the beginning with God, all things were made through Him, and nothing was made without Him, John 1:2,3.He is the chief cornerstone, and there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved, Acts 4:11,12.Growing up in Christ is a continual process that begins with knowing the ultimate truth: nothing but Jesus Christ and Him crucified, because He is the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last, the All in All.
“But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” 2 Timothy 3:14-15https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/MM_2026_06_27_Growing-Up-in-Christ.mp3You MUST, Paul says, continue. This is a command to grow up in a Person, that is, Jesus Christ. Knowing about Him is just information, but when we grow up in Him, that is a precious relationship.Growing up takes effort because it comes with more responsibility, and it requires more discipline. However, there are countless rewards when we mature; we draw nearer and nearer to our Savior and have the privilege of knowing the mind of God.Photo by Jon Ratzlaff
But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: for men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God” 2 Timothy 3:1-4https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/MM_2026_06_20_Authority-and-Responsibility.mp3These are the days we are living in right now. We can see that the world around us looks exactly like the description Paul gives in this passage to Timothy. However, when the church begins to resemble the same passage, we must ask, What are we missing?There is a military term that is used when a soldier does not report for duty, called AWOL (Absent With Out Leave). Many people have experienced the effects of AWOL parents, and in the workplace, a co-worker may be AWOL for a shift, which causes hardships on the rest of the staff. But what about the Church going AWOL in their responsibility to grow in grace and knowledge? Then we find a church “having a form of godliness but denying its power” vs 5, and looking just like the world as described in 2 Timothy 3.It’s time for the church to wake up and surrender to the Authority, Jesus Christ, and take responsibility for the Christian walk we are called to.Photo by Jon Ratzlaff
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” Ephesians 2:10https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/MM_2026_06_13_Created-on-Purpose.mp3To truly understand our beginning and purpose in life, we must return to the CREATOR of all life: GOD. He is the source of our genealogy. He wrote a single volume, called the Bible, that covers every issue, every trial, and every circumstance with the perfect solution and guidance for every man, woman, boy, and girl.We have the privilege of passing on the value of our existence to the next generation. We have the greatest resource, the Word of God, that will transform lives and will prepare all of us with lasting character that builds us up.We were not only created WITH a purpose, but we were created ON purpose by our Creator. No matter what our family tree looks like here, with our identity in Christ, we have a solid foundation for all of eternity.
“The sheep hear His voice; and He calls His own sheep by name and leads them out.” John 10:3https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/MM_2026_06_06_The-Shepherds-Voice.mp3When we hear the Shepherd’s Voice, it brings assurance and security as He speaks. There are times in our walk with the Lord when certain unknowns produce uncertain emotions that confuse our hearing.Fear will slip in and replace the sheep’s ability to listen to the Shepherd. Fear has many entanglements, and we get caught up in them, never realizing fear has replaced faith.Today, there is a way to keep this from happening. Let’s prepare to repair the damage fear does when it controls our hearts.
“The Lord knows the days of the upright, and their inheritance shall be forever” Psalm 37:18https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/MM_2026_05_30_God-Our-Inheritance-1.mp3As we conclude our study on the names of God found in Psalm 23, we find David has full assurance of his continued union with his great Shepherd for all of eternity.Today, we are focused on the character of God found in verse 6, where David declares, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever” Psalm 23:6.We can rest in that as well as Paul expresses in Romans 8:38-39, “For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”Jesus is our inheritance – Jehovah Cheleq
O Lord, You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup; You maintain my lot” Psalm 16:5https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/MM_2026_05_23_God-Our-Portion.mp3As we continue our study on the names of God found in Psalm 23, we find that David was confident that his Shepherd was all he needed. There was nothing that he lacked in his life. While alone in the shepherd’s field, David was never without; everything he needed was supplied by the Great Shepherd until his “cup runneth over.”Today, we are focused on the character of God found in verse 5c, where David declares, “My cup runneth over,” expressing that the Lord is Jehovah Manah, God his portion. Oh, how we can trust the Lord to be our portion and fill our cup to overflowing!“You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over” Psalm 23:5
“Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.” 2 Peter 3:18.https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/MM_2026_05_16_God-Our-Sanctification.mp3This command to grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord is impossible without knowing Him. Having a relationship with Him is the first step to growth. As we grow closer to Him in our relationship, we grow in knowledge of who He is and gain wisdom of His character that is saturated in grace.In our continuing study of the names of God found in Psalm 23, we find that David stayed close to his Shepherd, visiting with Him in the field, worshiping Him with instruments and song, and drawing closer and closer every day. God Himself declared that David was a man after God’s own heart.Today, we are focused on the character of God found in verse 5b, where David tenderly shares, “Thou anointest my head with oil,” acknowledging God as his sanctification, and the Lord is our sanctification as well.Photograph by Jon Ratzlaff
“I will love thee, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies” Psalm 18:1-3https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/MM_2025_04_05_God-Our-Victory.mp3As we continue our study on the names of God found in Psalm 23, we find that David gained great confidence that his Shepherd would go before him in every situation. We have verbal testimony from David himself saying that the Lord delivered him from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear. David knew that nothing was impossible for His Mighty God!Today, we are focused on the character of God found in verse 5a, where David boasts in the Lord, “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.” The Lord was his victory, and He is our victory as well.Photo by Jon Ratzlaff
“Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in Him, because we have trusted in His holy name” Psalm 33:20-21https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/MM_2026_05_02_God-Our-Help.mp3Many scriptures describe God as our help, and His help is described in multiple ways. Psalm 46:1 says, God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.Psalm 121 says, My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to be moved, will not let you slumber. The Lord is your keeper, your shade. The Lord will preserve your soul forevermore.As we continue our study on the names of God found in Psalm 23, we find how David describes the Lord as our help with His rod and staff that comfort him.Today, we are focused on the character of God in verse 4b to see how the rod and staff of the Lord God are still comforting us with encouragement and discipline, as God, Our Help.Painting by Bob Boyd (Prints of Peace)
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” John 10:27-28https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/MM_2026_04_25_God-Our-Companion.mp3In each of the six verses in Psalm 23, David describes God’s character, which directly correlates with the names of God. As a shepherd himself, David understands the depth of love and care that is required to tend to the sheep. David then takes those insights in beautiful expression to describe how the Great Shepherd, God Almighty, tends to him as a sheep.Today, we are focused on the character of God in verse 4a to find a close, secure relationship that cannot be broken with God, Our Companion.Painting by Bob Boyd (Prints of Peace)
“He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” Psalm 23:3https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/MM_2026_04_18_God-Our-Righteousness.mp3Each verse of Psalm 23 gives names of God that describe His character traits. We can imagine David, a shepherd, knowing the depth of love and care that is required to tend to sheep.David takes his insights and expresses them beautifully about the Great Shepherd, God Almighty, tending to David as a sheep.Today, we are focused on the character of God in verses 3b and digging into supporting scriptures that affirm God our Righteousness (Jehovah Tsidkenu)
“He restoreth my soul; He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake” Psalm 23:3https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/MM_2026_04_11_God-Our-Healer.mp3In each verse of Psalm 23, we are given names of God that describe His character traits.We can imagine David, a shepherd himself, knowing the depth of love and care that is required to tend to sheep.He takes his insights and expresses them beautifully about the Great Shepherd, God Almighty, tending to David, a sheep himself.Today, we are focused on the character of God in verses 3a and digging into supporting scriptures that affirm God as our Healer (Jehovah Ropheka).
“The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters” Psalm 23:1-2https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/MM_2026_04_04_God-Our-Shepherd-Provider-and-Peace.mp3Each verse of Psalm 23 gives the names of God that describe His character traits. We can imagine David, a shepherd himself, knowing the depth of love and care that is required to tend to sheep. He takes his insights and expresses them beautifully about the Great Shepherd, God Almighty, tending to David, a sheep himself.Today, we are focused on the character of God in verses 1 and 2 and digging into supporting scriptures that affirm God as our Shepherd (Jehovah Rohi), Provider (Jehovah Jireh), and Peace (Jehovah Shalom).
“Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen” Hebrews 13:20-21https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/MM_2026_03_28_The-Way-of-the-Sheep.mp3The comparison of sheep tendencies and the tendencies of us, God’s Sheep, is revealed in how we interact with each other as we grow in grace and knowledge. The great Shepherd knows all the sheep grow at different levels and in different ways, so He deals with each as needed. Some are ready to be “show sheep” while others struggle to stay with the flock, but in every case, the Shepherd tenderly cares for each one where they are in their progress.Among the sheep, we can be very harsh to each other based on our differing levels of growth. We must learn to look beyond actions and words to see the heart of each sheep. As a body of Christ, we have enough criticism from the world around us; we don’t need it from each other. We are to encourage one another and build one another up (1 Thess. 5:11) and consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near (Heb. 10:24-25)
“The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want” Psalm 23:1https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/MM_2026_03_21_The-Way-of-the-Shepherd.mp3David is the author of this particular Psalm and probably wrote it while tending the flock. As a shepherd himself, he understood the responsibility, hard work, insights, and abilities necessary to keep the sheep safe and healthy. Beyond the physical needs, David also understood the depth of care, attention to detail, and sacrifice it required on a personal level.Being a shepherd, David could relate his love for the sheep to the way the Lord loved him. Placing himself as a sheep under the love and care of the Great Shepherd, this Psalm tells the many ways that the Lord tends to us, His children.Today, we discuss the precious, tender way of the Shepherd.
“If indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the Truth is in Jesus.” Ephesians 4:21https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/MM_2025_03_14_Trading-the-Old-for-New.mp3How we live is determined by what we believe. If Truth is in Jesus, then why do we have such corruption in our lives? Why do the daily struggles far outweigh the confident victories that are said to be ours?”There is a saying, “There must be a cross before there can be a crown.” The cross we need to embrace includes giving up our plans for the greater plans of the Savior, bringing our opinions, priorities, and thoughts into alignment with the bigger picture, and knowing what that picture is.The Bible has not left us overwhelmed as to how this is to be accomplished. There are really no excuses for believing a lie as truth when Jesus is our Truth. Study with us today as we see the provisions that we have in trading the old for the new.
“Believe in your heart that God has raised Him (Jesus) from the dead and you will be saved.” Romans 10:9https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/MM_2025_03_07_Beliefs-Revealed.mp3Beliefs are vital to a person in establishing who they are, and this passage deals with the belief of WHO God is. We have blended our beliefs with the cultural and secular world, mixing percepts and concepts that will never work together.It is like oil and water. Oil is lighter and floats to the top. Likewise, we enjoy the light, easy ways of blended thinking, rather than searching out what is truly necessary for godly living.Today, we examine how to make right what is wrong in our thinking so that in everything we do, we may be pleasing in God’s sight. For the person still searching, find the foundation that offers a solid and fixed way of understanding.
s purpose? Does the heart plan on good or evil? What influences the heart in revealing what the priority is on which the heart thinks?In the physical world, a heart not working properly brings trouble to the whole body, and an out-of-balance heart also troubles our mind, will, and emotions.Take time out today to consider matters of the heart.
“All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirits.” Proverbs 16:2https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/MM_2025_02_21_Tearing-Down-Defenses.mp3We think we have our lives under control from our perspective and need no otherhelp. A few bumps here and there, coping but never soaring, and often wanting tohibernate to escape living with everyday life.Whether it is in a relationship where we are being ignored, hassled, or if we are living with the results of our own poor choices, we find a way to survive. We keep everything on the surface but never dig down to the root of the problem.Today, we acquaint ourselves with some less obvious defenses while hoping to find a place to land that brings peace. There is a solution!
2 Corinthians 5:20https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/MM_2025_02_14_Recognizing-Defenses.mp3When you meet someone, there is usually an introduction of your name and then something about what you do. It takes a name to make what you do important. Telling someone what you do without a name is incomplete to our identity.Likewise, part of our identity as members of God’s family is to be ambassadors, showing people what the family of God should look like in today’s world.Many times, we are displaying a bad “identity” because we are attempting to make ourselves look good rather than reflecting our identity of being IN CHRIST.Who we are reflects what we do. How important is this in our understanding of living?
“The spirit of a man will be his support and sustain him when he is ill, but a broken and crushed spirit, who can bear.” Proverbs 18:14https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/MM_2025_02_07_Self-Defense-Mechanisms.mp3How do you handle and react to frustration and troubling conflicts? Some explode. Some turn their backs and ignore the hurt and pain. Others carry it inside and have unusual defense mechanisms that are hard to recognize.When we want to be strong in spirit, we must be pure in heart. Learning to observewhat sounds good may be a cover for a heart that is coping and not really caring.Don’t get trapped in Defense Mechanisms that substitute reality in relationships.We have been given The Great Escape. Let’s use it!!
“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us layaside every weight and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with the endurance the race that is set before us.” Hebrews 12:1https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/MM_2025_01_31_Repression.mp3The important point laid out here is that we need to see how those who have gone before lived and overcame the snares of self.If we go against the patterns of freedom provided by our Savior, we can hold onto strongholds and repress reality. Eventually, we will explode, making a mess for ourselves and those around us.Clean-up of these defenses is messy. Are you building steam for an explosion?
“Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be healthy toyour flesh, and strength to your bones.” Proverbs 3:7-8https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/MM_2025_01_17_Denial-and-Rationalization.mp3Denial and Rationalization are two defenses we run to when we believe our own wisdom is the best choice for making decisions. This may not be a deliberate choice, but a place to run to in times of need, when survival is the priority and change is not desired.Surviving sometimes takes precedence over working through difficult disciplines for ultimate change. When scripture is lacking in our lives, one of the natural fallbacks is into a pattern of denial and rationalization.It may be surprising to discover that comfort zones can conceal a root of unbelief.
“The wisdom of the prudent (sensible) is to understand his way, but the folly (foolishness) of fools is deceit.” Proverbs 14:8https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/MM_2025_01_10_Christian-Psychology.mp3Christianity has cracked the door open to ways of the world becoming acceptable in the life of the Church, and we don’t even recognize the tangled web that has been woven into our thinking.Rather than accepting the fact that we are called to lay down our lives for others in service and caring from a heart of sacrificial love, we protect ourselves from having to bear one another’s pain. We don’t know how to help others carry the load that plagues the soul and spirit. We are great at helping with the physical needs, and we are thankful for that blessing. However, we are body, soul, and spirit. All three parts need to be growing and healthy.Heavenly wisdom gives us understanding in tearing down our walls of defense, as we allow the Spirit to make the heart of Christ real in our lives.
“For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.” 2 Timothy 4:3-4https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/MM_2025_01_03_Modren-Psychology.mp3Modern psychology is the perfect substitute for God playing in our lives with our own intellect and reasoning. Many different facets mar our thinking, and some are so “reasonable” that the modern-day church accepts and even endorses them.The church family – The Body of Christ is the only source of light in the darkness of human reasoning and logic.One positive note is that even among weak or carnal Christians, there are “pockets” of believers who are standing strong, growing, and ministering to others in need. For others.Some are just too busy to get involved with helping someone with their entrapment in worldly values.Some are too ignorant of God’s word and are unable to assist in setting free people in bondage.Some want to help but don’t know how, and fear keeps them silent.Some are being a witness to the Life of Christ within us – Where are you in this line-up?
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/MM_2025_12_27_Psychology-1.mp3What is a simple definition of secular Psychology? A study of the natural, our natures, how they function, and how to fix what is wrong. Sounds like a good idea, except they want to solve all our problems with man’s solutions. The thought of seeking the God of Creation, according to them, is not rational or reasonable. Why, because we are smarter and have done away with those superstitions and myths about God. We are our own god and can make those decisions for ourselves, man can fix man. (no he can’t)Grab a pencil and paper to jot down a few ideas that are keeping us in turmoil and trauma in how modern psychology has crept into our church lives. Know the facts as history describes, and then see the pattern that leads us down the path of failure. Do Christians have another option, and can we mix secular psychology with a Biblical worldview? The answers may surprise you.
“Don’t let others spoil your faith and joy with their philosophies, their wrong and shallow answers built on men’s thoughts and ideas, instead of on what Christ has said. For in Christ there is all of God in a human body; so you have everything when you know Christ and you are filled with God through your union with Christ. He is the highest Ruler, with authority over every other power.” Colossians 2: 8-9https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/MM_2025_12_20_Tools-of-Vain-Philosophy.mp3So what is the purpose of a Christian in these hard times? We talk about changing our troubled culture, but most do not have any idea – how to and what to change.As Christians, we are to know and understand the blindness and how we got these cultural views. We are to understand and explain to blinded hearts and minds how our lives are making choices that dethrone God Almighty. We cannot allow our faith and joy to bring us down into negativity, depression, and questioning; How Then Should We Live.”As we reflect on man’s attempt to bring about a social society that resolves all man’s problems, let’s search for the real answers that are found in God alone.
“My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Therefore, I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/MM_2025_12_13_Spiritual-Greatness.mp3One of the beliefs we entertain and promote is the religious lie that to be spiritual and useful in our walk with the Lord as believers, we must be spiritual giants. The greater the gifts, the more powerful the preaching and teaching, and the more popular and well-known our own ministry qualifies us as Christians living with a 4-star approval rating. RUBBISH!Our Bible is filled with calling our attention to daily dying to self, decreasing in the importance of “MY” ministry, being willing to suffer, and allowing Christ and His character to take center stage in every aspect of our lives.Settle back in quietly waiting on the Lord for His mind as we look at how God is shaping us into His image through ways that differ from the popular belief that “Bigger is always Better.”
s investigate how we accept lies to avoid pain and suffering. Learn how we are bombarded daily with lies to keep us under the control of the enemy. Don’t let lies believed as truth affect you as if they were true, even though they are lies.”
“Do not lie to each other. You have left your old sinful life and the things you did before.” Colossians 3:9https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/MM_2025_11_29_Secular-Lies.mp3Biblical meaning of a lie: To practice deceit, falsehood, and treachery either by word or action. It is the exact opposite of the truth.The sanctity of truth is fundamental in biblical teaching since it is based on the nature and character of God. Therefore, to despise truth is to despise God, and the Scriptures treat this topic with profound seriousness.“A LIE BELIEVED AS TRUTH WILL AFFECT YOUR LIFE AS TRUTH EVEN THOUGH IT IS A LIE.”Some in Secular Society will give you a half-truth – misguided facts – still a lieSome in relationships will color the “facts” so as not to anger or offend – still liesSome will pass on “information” that is not checked out and pass it on as truth – still a lieSome cannot stand the light of Truth – so will speak from a heart of darkness – filled with lies.The Bible says Satan is the Father of Lies. There are many avenues where a person can tell “lies” and believe no harm will come to them. Look deep into your heart today as we discuss the “lies of the world” that are not limited to those outside of Christianity, but find our old, sinful lifestyle still “living a lie.”
“Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the traditions of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ” Colossians 2:8https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/MM_2025_11_22_Goals-of-Secular-Humanism.mp3What comprises vain philosophy and empty deceit? At the entry-level is Humanism – traditions having basic concepts that make man a law unto himself. He can solve all problems, so there is no need for God.We are not sure just how this is working. Tune in and help evaluate the goals for “good” through Humanism.
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. And knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/WTW_2025_11_15_Running-the-Race-Well-1.mp3Our world, in general, has lost or denied the fear of the Lord. Without that wisdom, we are open to man’s wisdom, and the most common definition is “Humanism: faith in man, in science, in education.” Man will use reason, not divine revelation, as the guide for moral action and education, resulting in deception…Trusting in man is seen in many practical examples. Many Christians buy into humanistic thinking and have weakened their moral fiber, allowing a double standard within the Body of Christ, the true church.We are digging into how this has crept into believers’ lives. Many sincere Christians do not want to follow after strange doctrine or are purposely in rebellion in their walk with the Lord. Nevertheless, denial of Truth is running at an all-time high.Today, we attempt to expose lies believed as truth, thinking we are growing in grace, when actually not fearing the Lord is grieving the Spirit, and our guidance is hindered. There is a shock value as we discover the results of leaving our first Love; so open your ears to hear what WISDOM from God declares.
In John 1:1, The Word of God is declared to be GOD – “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/MM_2025_11_08_Jesus-is-the-Word.mp3John 1:14 The Word became flesh in the person of Jesus Christ – “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.”John 14:6 Confirms life that lasts comes through Jesus Christ from God the Father – “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.”John 6:48-58 offers an illustration of how this works, but the explanation did not make “sense” to some of his disciples who were listening. John 6:63 adds additional understanding to the process via the Holy Spirit. But, still not understanding they were offended and simply did not trust the words of Truth.Instead, they chose to reply in their own understanding and walked with the Lord Jesus NO MORE. They turned away! They decided that their logic was better and higher than the God who created them.However, there was another group of his followers, his close disciples. They chose to askmore questions to understand the “hard sayings.” They wanted to trust the Giver of Truth.What are we doing when we are faced with hard sayings today? Do we seek and search to know?Many are murmuring and complaining about the difficulties we are going through. They are NOT asking questions to know more. They are accepting their own thinking, closing their hearts and minds to the Way, Truth, and Life.As you listen today, examine your heart and be open to the Truth that Jesus is the Word, to receive Him is to also receive His Word.
Isaiah 30:15: “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and confidence shall be your strength.”https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MM_2025_11_01_The-Word-is-Enough.mp3The closing portion of that verse says BUT YOU WOULD NOT. Why would anyone want to reject that counsel? As believers, we want a secure relationship with Almighty God and enjoy all the blessings He provides for His family.When we read this counsel from the Bible but choose not to apply it, we lack understanding or simply do not believe it is our final authority. We then turn onto a detour that takes us down a winding road to destruction.Let’s get grounded in the sufficiency of scripture as it was written to and for us.
“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MM_2025_10_25_Sufficient-Truths-of-Scripture.mp3The definition of “sufficiency” is adequate to do the purpose intended or to meet a need. 2 Peter defines this as “seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.”The scripture is the best book for offering guaranteed promises filled with hope, but it also instructs us with rules of accountability. In world culture, we find resistance to authority and demands control where we want our “freedoms.” Many look at the scripture as being deficient or inadequate to help; therefore, the Bible is ignored as a trusted guide.Let’s do a “fact check” in affirming the Bible is not just an extra accessory to aid our model of living with philosophy and methodology; it is the REAL DEAL
“And this is eternal life, that they may KNOW You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” John 17:3https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MM_2025_10_18_Everlasting-Truth.mp3To know everlasting Truth, you need to know who and what is Truth, according to the author of Truth. Many today know about the God of Truth without having a personal and intimate relationship with Him. Facts are great, but they will never hold up in difficult days without having the life of Truth in our hearts and minds.John 1:1 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”Without the Word as our constant companion, we will remain in infancy for growth.Be a part of our discussion today regarding the divine desire that has been given to all of us to hide His Word in our hearts, that we might not live a sinful life.
Romans 5:3-5 “We glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character, and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MM_2025_10_11_Progression-Towards-Maturity.mp3This week on Sharin’ Hearts Mentoring Matters, Janie and Sharon discuss the process we all go through as we mature in Christ. Maturity is not an instant quality we can claim. Our lives are all about learning in every growth stage. Before we can begin our growth toward maturity, we must have a relationship with God as He supplies the necessary Truths that are used in establishing our foundation.There are at least four basic percepts we need to know as we gain an understanding of how to apply them to our thinking and behavior.Testing and tribulations are a part of this maturing process. Without the God of Scriptures guiding each step, we will find a road rock-filled with many potholes, and we will stumble along the way.Confirm today you have started this adventure and open your heart’s door to begin your Progression Toward Maturity.
Ephesians 2:9https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MM_2025_10_04_The-Scriptures-Plus.mp3The culture that we live in contributes to shaping our worldview, which is why the Bible tells us to be separate from this world. But the results of a recent Gallup Poll showed that 76% of Christians do not believe the Bible is the foundational absolute truth.Psalm 19 tells us what the Scriptures will do to help us establish a Biblical worldview and find those places in our hearts where we have been blind.So, listen with a willing heart as we look at the subtle ways we have replaced God’s Word in our lives.
“A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good, and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” Luke 6:45https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/MM_2025_09_27_Building-a-Biblical-Worldview.mp3As we establish a Biblical Worldview, there are principles we use to decide what builds us up and what can tear us down in knowing the mind of God. Many folks are greatly influenced by what others think, and so we gather our information from unreliable sources.Proverbs 18:4 “A person’s words can be life-giving water; words of true wisdom are as refreshing as a bubbling brook.” They bring healing, but many fail to build a biblical worldview because they are unskilled in the word of God.WORDS MATTER as they reveal what is in our hearts.Allowing the mind to trust in its own understanding opens the door of deception, which can lead in paths the Lord Jesus never said to walk. Scripture must be our final authority; they are the only words we can trust.God’s word is full of living power and is a guaranteed guide in building a biblical worldview.
Colossians 2:8 “Beware, lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.”https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/MM_2025_09_20_Foundations-in-a-Worldview.mp3To have a foundation that will stand on solid rock and not be sifted like wind-blown sands, we need to see areas where compromised thinking can get us into some real trouble. Whether it is rational applications as your final authority, logic according to changing facts, or media madness consuming a large part of our days, and some nights, we find our minds will be in a state of overload with options that profit nothing in securing a solid foundation. We will always be on a search for satisfaction to shore up confused conclusions on “How Then Do We Live.”Today, we are shining some light on choices that prevent us from building a solid Biblical worldview.
“Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage” Galatians 5:1https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/MM_2025_09_13_Culture-Influences-Beliefs.mp3The word entangle intrigues me as it means to become twisted together or caught up in a trap, a snare, a jumble, or muddled. In our world, this may include anything from a spider web, fishing nets, traffic jams, or even relationships involving different worldviews. We have been given by Jesus Christ liberty and freedom to stand fast in how we live, but we find ourselves entrapped is missing this freedom and failing to show what others need to see.Our world has enticed us to accept its values, and in doing so, we have walked into the trap of entanglement and not being aware that we are trying to live in two different worlds. We struggle to understand ourselves in this dilemma and wonder why there is confusion, and looking for escape methods.Let’s check out a simple definition of a worldview and then unravel the entangle blending that sets us up for contentions, struggles, failing to give our children a solid foundation, and living in this maze of compromise, not aware of our choices. Cultural priorities, education, acceptance of differences in life focus, and why that bothers us so much will be highlights for today.
“Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” Mark 16:15https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/MM_2025_09_06_Culture-Invades-the-Church.mp3This week on Mentoring Matters, Janie and Sharon discuss how the world’s culture has invaded the church.We have become comfortable with simply inviting people to church so they can hear the gospel rather than being responsible for sharing the gospel with them ourselves. In the conversation, we discuss the reasons why we have become afraid to share in the marketplace.As you listen, look for ways that fear may dictate how you speak to others and the compromise it may be causing in your Christian walk. Examine your foundation to find where you can be strengthened in Christ. Using God’s word to apply Biblical principles, position, instruction, and confirmation of Biblical truth, and develop Bible-based beliefs.
“Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you…be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you” Eph. 4:31-32https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/MM_2025_08_30_The-Root-of-Anger.mp3Everyone has basic needs, but when they are not met, and then anger and hurt often ensue. Over the course of time, unmet needs are stored in a part of the brain that remembers the negativity in life that triggers anger.Along with needs, people are entitled to basic rights, but when those rights are violated, then hurt and anger are the emotional responses.If anger is a troubling point that you are dealing with, then listen in to see if you can find the solution to the root of anger in your life.
“A sound heart is life to the body, but envy is rottenness to the bones” Proverbs 14:30https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/MM_2025_08_23_The-Dangers-of-Anger.mp3Anger is one of the most basic emotions that traps our hearts and adds more negative emotions to our problems, starting a roller coaster ride taking us up and down through,. Confusion in our beliefs,. Suspicions regarding others because we have assumed conclusions without having all the facts,. Relying on partial truths that attack our thinking with lies we believe to be true.To get off this roller coaster ride, the book of Proverbs in the Bible offers very practical wisdom with truths that transform rather than leaning to our own understanding, in overcoming and escaping The Danger of Anger
“Do not associate with a man given to anger, or go with a hot-tempered man, or you will learn his ways and find a snare for yourself.” Proverbs 22:24-25https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/MM_2025_08_16_Anger-to-Apathy.mp3Anger begins with an EXPECTATION of what we want, think we need, shocked at something or someone that causes pain to us. We all battle anger at some point.Telling a person to control their anger is like trying to pet a porcupine – porcupines are best left alone, and so are those who are chronically angry. Some people who are angry blow up, and some clam up and later build up so much that they explode.God’s love, shown through gentleness, is anger harnessed. If anger can flare quickly in your life, but leaves very slowly, join in the conversation today to understand the good and the danger of anger.
“Be angry, and do not sin. Mediate within your heart on your bed, and be still.” Psalms 4:4https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/MM_2025_08_09_Anger-without-Sin.mp3So many physical functions within the body occur during the hours of sleep. Going to bed with a hot temper, or maybe just frustrated, irritated, or annoyed, will keep the body from resting and restoring a person to meet the challenges of a new day. We go against the very design given by our Creator.Now is a great time to evaluate and examine how to recognize the little signs and symptoms that cause us to choose to handle matters “MY WAY”. We cover the pain of hurt, rejection, and loss by DOING something that dulls that ache in our hearts. Yes, that can give us temporary relief, but those hurts get buried deep inside the building for an explosion and poison our thinking.Develop the art from the counsel given in the Scripture that begins with BEING STILL.
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/MM_2025_08_02_From-Anxiety-to-Peace.mp3We hear people quote this verse and then turn around and refuse to apply these very words in their lives. The Bible is GOD breathed; they are His words in the original text, but don’t use words of wisdom on me when I am bitter from circumstances that make me anxious, angry, and unforgiving.To replace bitterness with peace, we ought to listen to His Words; they do matter. It is important to guard our words. Communicating with a conscience effort to be sure that what is said is what is heard, with the meaning that is intended, otherwise we ignore the Grace of God.Join us in today’s conversation as we dig into why words matter in going from anxiety to peace.
“Be Anxious for Nothing but in Everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving let your request be made known” Philippians 4:6https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/MM_2025_07_26_Fear-and-Anxiety.mp3In these changing times, problems are commonplace, and anxieties can overwhelm. These words, “Be Anxious for Nothing,” address a situation within the church at Philippi between 2 women. The resolve was to be anxious for nothing and go to God for everything.Whether then or now, the Word of God remains timeless for the solutions to live in peace and be a guard for our hearts and minds.Let’s relieve the stress and tension that resides within us today as we apply the counsel from the Scriptures to live free from FEAR and Anxiety.
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/MM_2025_07_19_Anxious-for-Nothing.mp3We quote this verse a lot and probably think we are applying the Scripture in our circumstances the way the Apostle Paul described.However, we need to take a closer look at the details. Paul uses absolute words, such as NOTHING, not just a little bit sometimes. He further declares ALWAYS – there is to be a consistency in our thoughts originating in PRAYER; expressed through supplication and thanksgiving. Then, we are ready to make our request known by the manner that He longs to hear and answer.Today, let’s dive into what keeps us from taking the Words of Jesus, written by Paul, to see what it takes to make a really great faithful servant that is ANXIOUS FOR NOTHING.
“Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice! Have mercy also upon me, and answer me. When you said, “Seek My Face,” My heart said to You, “Your Face, Lord, I will seek.” Psalms 27:7-8https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/MM_2025_07_12_Steps-to-Maturity.mp3When we are drawn by the mercies of God and our salvation is secure and complete, we are just beginning the progression of growing in grace and knowledge as we apply the Scriptures to our daily lives.There are essentials for establishing our Father’s will in fulfilling our maturity that is well pleasing to Him, and it is easy to accept a path of comfort and miss the Master’s best.Join our discussion as we evaluate the stepping stones to maturity.
“You are complete in him, who is the he of all principles and power.” Colossians 2:9bIt is very important to know the Person that has authority over all living matters and the power to keep us in the most difficult circumstances where we need security and safety for ourselves, our families, and from authorities that can hold us hostage with their power.https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/MM_2025_07_05_Complete-in-Him.mp3Today, we reflect on how we find ourselves in places of no escape; we see what happens when we try to fix our problems on our own.We struggle with how to trust our authority, Jesus Christ, who allows various trials to come to those that He loves – doesn’t He have the power to keep us safe?When WE CAN’T, HE CAN. Our guide is found in the words of Jesus Christ, Himself.Since His words are true and trusting. Join us as explore how being COMPLETE IN HIM keeps our guaranteed hope alive.
“That Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height – to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God” Eph. 3:17-19https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/MM_2025_06_28_Complete-in-Godliness.mp3This week on Sharin’ Hearts Mentoring Matters, Janie and Sharon discuss the gift of being complete in Christ, with all godliness and love. Recognizing our position in Christ, being students of the Word, and committing quiet, still, alone time with Father God are vital for spiritual growth.Many times, we don’t grow because we are comfortable with where we are, but taking the time to “shop” the scriptures for something new will deepen our relationship with God and strengthen our daily walk with Him.
“Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near” Revelation 1:3https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/MM_2025_06_14_-Promises-and-Blessings-1.mp3This verse is an encouragement to read Revelation and to hear the words of its prophecy; it doesn’t say to read and understand fully all that is told. Many believers say that they are too afraid to read this book because they don’t understand it.Revelation is the revealing of Jesus Christ Himself. He is referred to as the Lamb 28 times in the book. It is evident that God wants us to know the redeeming work that was finished on the Cross by Jesus Christ, who came as a man, to become the Lamb, and redeem every man, woman, boy, and girl.Every generation needs to understand the matters of the past, present, and what is yet to be in the future. Ignorance of the past will blind us to see the present and cause history to repeat itself. It’s important to learn from our past and prepare for the future. Jesus is the hope and gives purpose to every generation.Photo by Jon Ratzlaff
“Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near” Revelation 1:3https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/MM_2025_06_14_-Promises-and-Blessings.mp3This verse is an encouragement to read Revelation and to hear the words of it’s prophecy, it doesn’t say to read and understand fully all that is told. Many believers say that they are too afraid to read this book because they don’t understand it.Revelation is the revealing of Jesus Christ Himself. He is referred to as the Lamb 28 times in the book. It is evident that God wants us to know the redeeming work that was finished on the Cross by Jesus Christ, who came as a man, to become the Lamb, and redeem every man, woman, boy, and girl.Every generation needs to understand the matters of the past, present, and what is yet to be in the future. Ignorance of the past will blind us to see the present and cause history to repeat itself. It’s important to learn from our past and prepare for the future. Jesus is the hope and gives purpose to every generation.Photo by Jon Ratzlaff
“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty” Revelation 1:8https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/MM_2025_06_07_The-Alpha-and-Omega.mp3From Genesis to Revelation, Jesus is made known. He is the subject of the entire Bible, He is the object of our faith. For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, Romans 11:36. Jesus was in the beginning with God, all things were made through Him and nothing was made without Him, John 1:2,3. He is the chief cornerstone, and there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved, Acts 4:11,12.Growing up in Christ is a continual growth that begins with knowing the ultimate knowledge of nothing but Jesus Christ and Him crucified because He is the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last, the All in All.
“But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” 2 Timothy 3:14-15https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/MM_2025_05_31_Growing-Up-in-Christ.mp3You MUST, Paul says, continue. This is a command to grow up in a Person, that is, Jesus Christ. Knowing about Him is just information, but when we grow up in Him, that is a precious relationship.Growing up takes effort, it brings on more responsibility, and it requires discipline. However, there are countless rewards when we mature; we draw nearer and nearer to our Savior and have the privilege of knowing the mind of God.Photo by Jon Ratzlaff
But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: for men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God” 2 Timothy 3:1-4https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/MM_2025_05_24_Authority-and-Responsibility.mp3These are the days we are living in right now. We can see that the world around us looks exactly like the description Paul gives in this passage to Timothy. However, when the church begins to resemble the same passage, we must ask, What are we missing?There is a military term that is used when a soldier does not report for duty, called AWOL (Absent With Out Leave). Many people have experienced the effects of AWOL parents, and in the workplace, a co-worker may be AWOL for a shift, which causes hardships on the rest of the staff. But what about the Church going AWOL in their responsibility to grow in grace and knowledge? Then we find a church “having a form of godliness but denying its power” vs 5, and looking just like the world as described in 2 Timothy 3.It’s time for the church to wake up and surrender to the Authority, Jesus Christ, and take responsibility for the Christian walk we are called to.Photo by Jon Ratzlaff
“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” Ephesians 2:10https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/MM_2025_05_17_Created-on-Purpose.mp3To really understand our beginning and purpose in life, it is necessary to go back to the CREATOR of all life: GOD. He is the source of our genealogy. He wrote a single volume, called the Bible, that covers every issue, every trial, and every circumstance with the perfect solution and guidance for every man, woman, boy, and girl.We have the privilege of passing on the value of our existence to the next generation. We have the greatest resource, the Word of God, that will transform lives and will prepare all of us with lasting character that builds us up.We were not only created WITH a purpose, we were created ON purpose by our Creator. No matter what our family tree looks like here, with our identity in Christ, we have a solid foundation for all of eternity.
“The sheep hear His voice; and He calls His own sheep by name and leads them out.” John 10:3https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/MM_2025_05_03_The-Shepherds-Voice.mp3When we hear the Shepherd’s Voice, it brings assurance and security as He speaks. There are times in our walk with the Lord when certain unknowns produce uncertain emotions that confuse our hearing.Fear will slip in and replace the sheep’s ability to listen to the Shepherd. Fear has many entanglements, and we get caught up in them, never realizing fear has replaced faith.Today, there is a way to keep this from happening. Let’s prepare to repair the damage fear does when it controls our hearts.
“The sheep hear His voice; and He calls His own sheep by name and leads them out.” John 10:3https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/MM_2025_05_03_The-Shepherds-Voice.mp3When we hear the Shepherd’s Voice, it brings assurance and security as He speaks. There are times in our walk with the Lord when certain unknowns produce uncertain emotions that confuse our hearing.Fear will slip in and replace the sheep’s ability to listen to the Shepherd. Fear has many entanglements, and we get caught up in them, never realizing fear has replaced faith.Today, there is a way to keep this from happening. Let’s prepare to repair the damage fear does when it controls our hearts.
“The Lord knows the days of the upright, and their inheritance shall be forever” Psalm 37:18https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/MM_2025_04_26_God-Our-Inheritance.mp3As we conclude our study on the names of God found in Psalm 23, we find David has full assurance of his continued union with his great Shepherd for all of eternity. Today, we are focused on the character of God found in verse 6, where David declares, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever” Psalm 23:6. We can rest in that as well as Paul expresses in Romans 8:38-39, “For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”Jesus is our inheritance – Jehovah Cheleq
s field, David was never without; everything he needed was supplied by the Great Shepherd until his “cup runneth over.”Today, we are focused on the character of God found in verse 5c, where David declares, “My cup runneth over,” expressing that the Lord is Jehovah Manah, God his portion. Oh, how we can trust the Lord to be our portion and fill our cup to overflowing! “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over” Psalm 23:5
“Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.” 2 Peter 3:18.https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/MM_2025_04_12_God-Our-Sanctification.mp3This command to grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord is impossible without knowing Him. Having a relationship with Him is the first step to growth. As we grow closer to Him in our relationship, we grow in knowledge of who He is and gain wisdom of His character that is saturated in grace. In our continuing study of the names of God found in Psalm 23, we find that David stayed close to his Shepherd; visiting with Him in the field, worshiping Him with instruments and song, and drawing closer and closer every day. God Himself declared that David was a man after God’s own heart.Today we are focused on the character of God found in verse 5b, where David tenderly shares, “Thou anointest my head with oil” acknowledging God as his sanctification and the Lord is our sanctification as well.Photograph by Jon Ratzlaff
“I will love thee, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies” Psalm 18:1-3https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/MM_2025_04_05_God-Our-Victory.mp3As we continue our study on the names of God found in Psalm 23, we find that David gained great confidence that his Shepherd would go before him in every situation. We have verbal testimony from David himself saying that the Lord delivered him from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear. David knew that nothing was impossible for His Mighty God!Today we are focused on the character of God found in verse 5a, where David boasts in the Lord, “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.” The Lord was his victory and He is our victory as well.Photo by Jon Ratzlaff
“Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in Him, because we have trusted in His holy name” Psalm 33:20-21https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/MM_2025_03_29_God-Our-Help.mp3Many scriptures describe God as our help and His help is described in multiple ways. Psalm 46:1 says, God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 121 says, My help comes form the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to be moved, will not let you slumber. The Lord is your keeper, your shade. The Lord will preserve your soul forevermore. As we continue our study on the names of God found in Psalm 23, we find how David describes the Lord as our help with His rod and staff that comfort him. Today we are focused on the character of God in verse 4b to find how the rod and staff of the Lord God is still comforting us with encouragement and discipline as God Our Help.Painting by Bob Boyd (Prints of Peace)
“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” John 10:27-28https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/MM_2025_03_22_God-Our-Companion.mp3In each of the six verses in Psalm 23 David gives a description of God’s character that directly correlates with names of God. As a shepherd himself, David understands the depth of love and care that is required to tend to the sheep. David then takes those insights in beautiful expression to describe how the Great Shepherd, God Almighty, tends to him as a sheep. Today we are focused on the character of God in verse 4a to find a close, secure relationship that cannot be broken with God Our Companion.Painting by Bob Boyd (Prints of Peace)
s sake.” Psalm 23:3Each verse of Psalm 23 gives names of God that describe His character traits. We can imagine David, a shepherd, knowing the depth of love and care that is required to tend to sheep. David takes his insights and expresses them beautifully about the Great Shepherd, God Almighty, tending to David as a sheep. Today we are focused on the character of God in verses 3b and digging into supporting scriptures that affirm God our Righteousness (Jehovah Tsidkenu)
“He restoreth my soul; He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake” Psalm 23:3Each verse of Psalm 23 gives names of God that describe His character traits. We can imagine David, a shepherd himself, knowing the depth of love and care that is required to tend to sheep. He takes his insights and expresses them beautifully about the Great Shepherd, God Almighty, tending to David, a sheep himself.Today we are focused on the character of God in verses 3a and digging into supporting scriptures that affirm God as our Healer (Jehovah Ropheka).
“The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters” Psalm 23:1-2Each verse of Psalm 23 gives names of God that describe His character traits. We can imagine David, a shepherd himself, knowing the depth of love and care that is required to tend to sheep. He takes his insights and expresses them beautifully about the Great Shepherd, God Almighty, tending to David, a sheep himself.Today we are focused on the character of God in verses 1 and 2 and digging into supporting scriptures that affirm God as our Shepherd, Provider, and Peace.
“Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen” Hebrews 13:20-21The comparison of sheep tendencies and the tendencies of us, God’s Sheep, is revealed in how we interact with each other as we grow in grace and knowledge. The great Shepherd knows all the sheep grow at different levels and different ways so He deals with each as needed. Some are ready to be “show sheep” while others struggle to stay with the flock, but in every case the Shepherd tenderly cares for each one where they are in their progress. Among the sheep, we can be very harsh to each other based on our differing levels of growth. We must learn to look beyond actions and words to see the heart of each sheep. As a body of Christ, we have enough criticism from the world around us, we don’t need it from each other. We are to encourage one another and build one another up (1 Thess. 5:11) and consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near (Heb. 10:24-25)
“The Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want” Psalm 23:1David is the author of this particular Psalm and probably wrote it while tending the flock. As a shepherd himself, he understood the responsibility, hard work, insights, and abilities that was necessary for keeping the sheep safe and healthy. Beyond the physical needs, David also understood the depth of care, attention to detail, and sacrifice it required on a personal level.Being a shepherd, David could relate his love for the sheep with the way the Lord loved him. Placing himself as a sheep under the love and care of the Great Shepherd, this Psalm tells the many ways that the Lord tends to us, His children.Today we discuss the precious, tender way of the Shepherd.
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” Isaiah 41:10.Fear is a strange emotion that has unpredictable in responses based on what may be causing the fear. In this episode we will be discussing loneliness and how it can cause fear. When we are fearful, our vision gets cloudy and everyday life seems to become more difficult.Today, we will talk about changing our perspective in loneliness when we realize that we are never alone.
“My grace is sufficient for you; for My strength is made perfect in weakness” 2 Cor. 12:9In response to Paul’s cry for relief from his infirmities, Jesus assures him that the grace he receives is sufficient. This same grace is given to us and is still sufficient for anything we may face.It is the relationship with Jesus Christ Himself that supplies the assurance. We will not find the solution to all our problems in the teachings, the traditions, and rituals of the denominations. We won’t find it in busying ourselves with service or burying it in acts of good deeds.Jesus Christ is the answer to all our problems and how amazing it would be if we could all respond as Paul did; “Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong” 2 Cor. 12:9-10.
“I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father: and I lay down My life for the sheep” John 10: 14-15The Lord’s steadfast love for us is seen in that He has laid down His life for us. He asks us to draw close, to hear His voice, and know Him.As His sheep, we have the privilege to encourage each other in songs, hymns and spiritual songs. We are commanded to help one another with accountability and in warnings from love.At the same time we must be willing to allow others to help us where we might be blind or so wrapped up in pain that we can’t see the cliff in front of us.Caring for others in steadfast love the way the Lord has so tenderly cared for us is how His love is seen by others.
Luke 9:51 “He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem.”The word steadfast means resolutely or dutifully firm and unwavering. The characterizations of our Lord is that He set His face to fulfill the eternal resolve and purpose of His life. Every day that Jesus lived here on earth, He lived in anticipation of the shameful death by crucifixion. He was unwavering, even at 12 years old, to be about His Father’s business.The steadfast love of Christ is marked by His commitment to go to the Cross. The Cross finished the work that the Father had given Him to do. His life was one of enduring discipline, sustained by the Father, for the benefit of the whole world for generations to come.“For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them” Luke 9:56.
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction for instruction, in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16We hear people quote this verse and then turn around and refuse to apply these very words in their lives. The Bible is GOD breath, they are His words in the original text, but don’t use words of wisdom on me when I am bitter from circumstances that make me anxious, angry, and unforgiving.To replace bitterness with a peace we ought to LISTEN TO HIS WORDS as they DO matter. We are told to GUARD OUR WORDS and make sure what we said is what you heard with the meaning we intended, otherwise we ignore the Grace of God.Join us in today’s conversation as we dig into why words matter in going FROM ANXIETY to PEACE.
“Be Anxious for Nothing but in Everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving let your request be made known” Philippians 4:6In these changing times, problems are commonplace and anxieties can overwhelm. These words, “Be Anxious for Nothing” addresses a situation within the church at Philippi between 2 women. The resolve was to be anxious for nothing and go to God for everything.Whether then or now the Word of God remains timeless for the solutions to live in peace and be a guard for our hearts and minds.Let’s relieve the stress and tension that resides within us today as we apply the counsel from the Scriptures to live free from FEAR and Anxiety.
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6We quote this verse a lot and probably think we are applying the Scripture in our circumstances the way the Apostle Paul described.However, we need to take a closer look at the details. Paul uses absolute words, such as NOTHING, not just a little bit sometimes. He further declares ALWAYS – there is to be a consistency in our thoughts originating in PRAYER; expressed through supplication and thanksgiving. Then, we are ready to make our request known by the manner that He longs to hear and answer.Today, let’s dive into what keeps us from taking the Words of Jesus, written by Paul, to see what it takes to make a really great faithful servant that is ANXIOUS FOR NOTHING.
“Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice! Have mercy also upon me, and answer me. When you said, “Seek My Face,” My heart said to You, “Your Face, Lord, I will seek.” Psalms 27:7-8When we are drawn by the mercies of God and our salvation is secure and complete, we are just beginning the progression of growing in grace and knowledge as we apply the Scriptures to our daily lives.There are essentials for establishing our Father’s will in fulfilling our maturity that is well pleasing to Him and it is easy to accept a path of comfort and miss the Master’s best.Join our discussion as we evaluate the stepping stones to maturity.
“You are complete in him, who is the he of all principles and power.” Colossians 2:9bIt is very important to know the Person that has authority over all living matters and the power to keep us in the most difficult circumstances where we need security and safety for ourselves, our families, and from authorities that can hold us hostage with their power.Today, we reflect on how we find ourselves in places of no escape; we see what happens when we try to fix our problems on our own.We struggle with how to trust our authority, Jesus Christ, who allows various trials to come to those that He loves – doesn’t He have the power to keep us safe?When WE CAN’T, HE CAN. Our guide is found in the words of Jesus Christ, Himself.Since His words are true and trusting. Join us as explore how being COMPLETE IN HIM keeps our guaranteed hope alive.
“That Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height – to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God” Eph. 3:17-19This week on Sharin’ Hearts Mentoring Matters, Janie and Sharon discuss the gift of being complete in Christ; with all godliness and love. Recognizing our position in Christ, being students of the Word, and committing quiet, still, alone time with Father God are vital for spiritual growth.Many times we don’t grow because we are comfortable with where we are, but taking the time to “shop” the scriptures for something new will deepen our relationship with God and strengthen our daily walk with Him.
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavily laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28To labor and be heavy burdened are two descriptions of our conditions that most are facing in one area or another. This can be applied to the physical, emotional, and soul – influencing our spirits.Culture is telling us to have third-party encounters with one another through some device that offers opinions and information for man-made solutions. My question is – “Would Jesus walking on earth advise people to learn of Him through someone else, no matter how sincere?”He wants direct communion with each of us, whether as His children needing His comfort and care or as a person controlled by fears needing Him for life itself.In both cases, there is only one judge to know how to offer rest to our souls that are seeking a reliable source – God himself. The first step – is to come.
“That I may know him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death.” Philippians 3:10That verse presents the highs and lows of our walk here on earth. Parts sound good and parts are so scary and perplexing on how to achieve. KNOWING Jesus Christ is first and many spend their whole lives just getting to know Him, which extends way beyond salvation.Knowing HIM and the power of a resurrected life comes before the hard sayings of sharing in the fellowship of HIS suffering. Let’s study today the mind of Christ in understanding His method of preparation so we may run the race as He has equipped us to do and obtain the prize that is waiting for those living by faith.
“My little children for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you.” Galatians 4:19For this verse to be fulfilled we will begin by making sure that we have taken the first step in salvation, a new birth. Then we must move forward in knowing and abiding in fulfilling our purpose for why we are created.As children grow and mature their “mission” in life broadens. Many choices change as they seek PURPOSE.Most start off with a purpose totally satisfying self and this needs a renewing of the mind for realizing purpose in living. Many today are bewildered as to how to discern their reason for existing.The Lord Jesus knew His purpose from the beginning and always followed His Father’s purpose as His own. This week let’s examine the Scriptures to know what can hinder and what can confirm God’s Purpose for each of us in living at this particular time in history.
“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” Romans 5:8Knowing who we are and our worth in life is usually determined by outside influences. With divided hearts, and differing opinions that result in confusion most are tossed back and forth in finding some form of acceptance according to performance in relationships and positive circumstances.If our performance does not solve the problem, we are unsure of what to do next. We succumb to ever-changing conditions. Should repeated failures occur we lose all sense of being stabilized and question how to fix the wrongs or just blame someone else.If we will consent to being loved and accepted by the Author of love WHO provides assurance of worth to our souls, then the comfort we need is ours, IN CHRIST. Today, we will uncover the reality of facts so our faith can grow.
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.” Ephesians 1:3Many people are burdened in knowing if they are accepted in society, home relationships, church fellowships, and workplace surroundings. All of life holds people in tension and insecurity with doubting. Since they have no apparent solution, they create their own false security.What does the Creator of all people say about who they are and what is their identify. There is good news for those overwhelmed with questioning God according to His mind and heart. Does God Accept Me and if so, on what basis?
“I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.” Jude 3bEach of us have been given a measure of faith. Salvation is a one-time transformation by the grace and power of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Spirit then goes about making all the truth of salvation and beyond reality in the newness of life.We can really slow down or even mess up His sovereign work toward maturity by centering on serving ourselves; many times without realizing where and why we no longer “lie down in green pastures so He can restore our soul.” Psalms 23:2-3It is sobering and saddening when we have Light and do not walk in it.So join in the conversation as we talk about the character choices that cause FAITH to Grow.
“Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.” I Timothy 3:9The unity of the Spirit is firmly based on the unity of the faith. Modern efforts of organizational unity are based on compromise and a watered-down definition of faith.Faith must be tested to prove if it will pass the circumstances when we have no solution of our own. Faith that grows stronger must be Divine faith, as soulish man-made faith will fail.We are discussing how to discern lasting faith that comes from a pure heart of love and a good conscience. This is the real mark or target at which to aim. Some miss the mark because they aim at the wrong target. Do you know the difference? Join us.
“The gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with FAITH in those who heard it.” Hebrews 4:2The message was proclaimed but it did no good because they only heard and did not believe as well. It is only as a result of our faith and trust that we experience the life of rest that we have been commanded to live.There are conditions for our faith in the PERSON of Jesus Christ to produce a life of trust and do the will of our Father. How do we live the 24/7 life pleasing unto the Lord Jesus? Today, we will share the stabilizing Facts of Faith for our daily walk.
“Without faith, it is impossible to please Him.” Hebrews 11:6Faith is vital in beginning a new life in Christ and continues with that essential practice during our entire life.When things are running smooth, we can let our faith relax, and then our guard slips and we get careless. Then, when a trial lands on our doorstep and opens the door for all types of half-truths, mixed truths of heavenly living being invaded by earthy thinking, that raises doubts in our beliefs.“The just shall live by faith, but if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him.” Let’s get to know the PERSON of Christ with whom our faith must live in a close relationship.
“As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby.” I Peter 2:2The Gospel is preached, – the heart, soul, and spirit are awakened – a new life is born.New life must have nourishment to grow. What are the problems that keep a little one from growing? Without the proper nutrients a baby can develop issues in their organs and even die of malnourishment. The same is true for newborn babes in Christ - issues from malnourishment leads to sin. It is the pure milk of the Word of God that gives us the proper nutrients that we may grow up into maturity.The discussion today will give us direction on what is needed for newborn babes in Christ.
“If anyone be IN CHRIST, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, ALL things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17Not knowing who you are as a person being here in time and wondering what your purpose is, can upset our thinking, creating insecurities, and stress our personalities.Christ already has the problem solved for those that want to be in the family of God, now and forever.Life without Christ causes us to search to find a substitute that never brings satisfaction, so we keep searching for life’s meaning.Today, we hope to clarify this issue with a solid solution that comes through A New Life.
“For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, the just shall live by Faith.” Romans 1:17In Romans 1 that we opened with today, the answer is found for understanding and solving an Identity Crisis.If we know the answer, then we need to know the right questions to ask to understand how to apply the right answer – a life of faith to faith.Join us as we compare soul and spirit, who are you “IN CHRIST”?” Who does God say you are? Today’s discussion gives insights into how to have FAITH in the FACTS.
“Worship the Lord in the splendor of His holiness, tremble before Him, all the earth.” Psalms 96:9When it comes to communicating with God, having our spirits in tune with His Spirit is necessary as we are created to worship.Many attempts to worship in the wrong ways, hindering the purpose of worship. Today, we explore the right way to worship.
“Yet once more I shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” Hebrews 12: 26-28Hebrews Chapter Twelve:Verse 26 – We are living in a time when we are all shaken up. Our nation has adopted a lifestyle of indulgence from the gift of being a blessed nation of material wealth.Verse 27 – Although the ultimate shaking is still future we are feeling the tremors and rumblings of the approaching destruction. Are we preparing?Verse 28 – If we continue to choose abusing grace, and living without a godly fearThe warning is that our God is a consuming fire. He will purify the pollution of this world.Today, we are digging into these verses to examine what they mean for us for the time in which we live.So join in the conversation as we reflect on why this is coming and find out if there is hope for survival from this Great Shaking?
“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.” 1 Peter 3:8Peter is not telling us we must agree on non-essential in daily living. Peter did tell us how to avoid divisions in the Body of Christ. Our hearts must be of one accord and Jesus Christ as our ALL and All. Join us today as we share how we can be deceived by little issues that can grow into major differences keeping our hearts focused on our old paths, dividing when we should be uniting. Make sure you are not demanding your rights, your truth as your foundation, because it is the heart that matters.
“Let love be with hypocrisy, abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.” Romans 12:9How do we know if we are functioning as a hypocrite in today’s culture – especially in the Body of Christ?. Do we say one thing but mean another? In the world’s definition that would be two-face. Do we have the wisdom and fear of the Lord in gaining this understanding?. Do we misuse our spiritual gifts in the name of love?Lots of perplexing questions. To each question, there is an answer, and those answers are found in the Bible.GOD’S love can be our love in every matter of the mind and heart. Let’s take it in so we can let Love be without hypocrisy.
“Reproach has broken my heart, and I am full of heaviness: I looked for someone to take pity, there was none, and for comforters, but I found none.” Psalms 69:20Cries of pain from the body, soul, and spirit can hit us like a storm when we are attacked by overwhelming circumstances or trauma in torn relationships. Questions as to WHY scream in our agony. How do we handle what appears to be impossible to solve and are there any solutions? Where do I go?STOP! Get Still and listen as there is HOPE, REMEDIES, and a way to find LIGHT at the end of the dark tunnel.
“God, who comforts us in ALL our tribulations” 2 Corinthians 1:4The Bible gives us real examples of how relationships and circumstances gone wrong can rob us of God’s peace and comfort. To overcome: Recognize our NEED for help and change Know God has a solution for every NEED Choose to release that NEED, trusting Him for the answerThen, hope in His love, Believing in Him, will allow us to rest in Him – AVOIDING DEPRESSION.
“Those who know Your name will put their trust in You, For You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.” Psalms 9:10Having no one you can turn to in difficult and painful times leaves us fearful, full of dread, and doubting if anyone cares. That can include God and WHO He is. We have grown accustomed to seeing our support and needs to be met. Having to rely on faith in the unseen can really be scary if we do not know our Source of strength. Knowing your Heavenly Provider is more important than even knowing your earthly provider when it comes to insurance here on earth.We discuss what it takes to know your God of all comfort and how to have your faith cemented in the reality of His Word and promises. Peace that passes understanding is offered to anyone willing to receive it from the hand of God, Who is the only One that possesses true lasting peace.
“Truly God is good to Israel, to such as are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped. For I was envious of the boastful when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.” Psalms 73:1-3This is a typical example of how we establish our patterns of depression as we compare our circumstances with the ways of the world.Today, let’s investigate how these patterns develop and strengthen their hold in our thinking; setting us up for anger, bitterness, resentment, vengeance, apathy, and a season of depression if we don’t find the right “pattern” for breaking these strongholds.Victimization can be a matter of the past.
“The Spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity, but a wounded spirit who can bear?” Proverbs 18:4Depression can show up in many different symptoms and it may be hard to discover the root problem. Depression can lead to physical problems as the Scripture says a broken spirit dries up the bones.A general description is – Depression is the consequence of wrong responses to life events that remain unresolved in a person’s life. Depression will impact your soul and your spirit.Depression can be a “normal” response when overwhelming circumstances pile up with no relief. Depression can be diagnosed but the lasting solutions are found in the life-giving hope found in Jesus Christ. Listen for the answer.
“I in them, and you in Me; that they may be made perfect in one and that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them as You have loved Me.” John 17:23Friendships made real are cemented in love. The sharing, the desire to be together, the willingness to sacrifice for others, and the same objectives with the same goals are all afforded us when we respond to the drawing of the Father’s heart desiring friendship with each of us.Knowing each other’s thinking, hopes, dreams, plans, wants, and needs are just a few qualities that develop in a lasting friendship. TRUST comes after the knowing is mature. Intimacy is earned.Friendships should never be taken for granted, our relationships cannot be half-hearted or conditional, and friendships must be genuine – no cover-up. If those qualities appeal to you then invite The Lord Jesus Christ to be your friend by the tenderness of His Spirit.
“A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24Being a true friend that stays by your side can require some character development in the relationship. Sometimes words of correction are needed to remove blind spots in thinking. Sometimes special support is needed when your friend has made some wrong choices and is struggling to overcome guilt.There are so many different ways to express the heart of a true friend that brings a closeness of comfort, confidence, and calmness. Let’s take a little time today to review the benefits of being a friend, especially to our greatest friend of all, The Lord Jesus.
“A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24As we build relationships, even from early childhood, we find that issues that draw us together are not always because of personality appeal. For a Christian, the hand of God is placing one another into positions that will further His plan for each life and how that plan will bring glory to Him, not just someone we can enjoy because of comfort or convenience. We learn as time progresses that a true friend will always be loyal and will “SUPPORT YOUR STRENGTHS AND SHORE UP YOUR WEAKNESS.”A true friend will be willing to care with kindness, even in difficult places, without feeling burdened by unusual challenges. Sometimes friendships extend outside the “family” connection as brothers and sisters in Christ because one “outside the family circle” needs to be drawn and welcome into those everlasting ties. Expand your meditation time with how you can add a friend to your family.
“Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” Ephesians 4:30When we choose to ignore the plain simple commands to obey, in love, what is taught in the Scriptures we grieve and can quench the Holy Spirit’s working in our lives. He will no longer support us in our poor choices but wants to restore us if we will REPENT and follow His leading.Confess in agreement that we are out of step with Him and REPENT, turn around, and change our direction in thinking and actions. Failing to respond to these matters leaves us in self-dependency traveling in a danger zone of doubt, denial, and disobedience.Come visit with us as we chat about the downfall of ignoring the Truth and grieving the Spirit.
“The spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness, but who can bear a broken spirit?” Proverbs 18:4We probably do not give much thought that our spirit can be a tool for fighting sickness in the soul and body – an actual healing tool for getting well.With that same thought we are told when our spirits are broken, and torn apart, focusing on the overwhelming circumstances and losses may contribute to the breaking down of our health and wellness.What grace for our Designer and Creator to have built into our body systems strength to fight against what damages and destroys.Today, let’s see and hear what makes and keeps a strong spirit. The Word of God reveals what may be hidden to many people searching for real solutions.
Then He said to them ALL, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” Luke 9:23On the surface, these words are not the most soothing to hear in wanting to grow as a Christian. We think we have a good standard of what our lives should look like, but the Lord knows the depths of hidden threats that will rob us of the best. Thank goodness we do not have to lean on our own understanding.How does one die to self? Join us today, as we expose examples, explanations, and evidence of a life that “Dies Daily to self.” When we appropriate the impossible made possible through the Lord Jesus and the power of His Spirit, the results are strength and joy unspeakable and full of glory for whatever comes.
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5In that one sentence, Jeremiah gives us a mini-view of why we are here on earth at this appointed time and place. God told Jeremiah I am responsible for your very life for a special purpose, he was set apart. The path Jeremiah was to walk included times of trials and pressure.To prepare us for God’s BEST, He may place us on the Potter’s wheel as he sculpts and fashions us for why we were born and formed. Hard times are simply the pressures from the Potter’s hand in reshaping us as a lump of clay so that nothing can mar the vessel He is making.Today, if you are feeling pressed, be aware that good matters are at work in the vessel He is preparing. Today, make sure you are pliable in the Potter’s Hand.
“With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” Psalms 119: 10-11How do you hide God’s word in the heart?Romans 12 gives us a clue – Renew your mind in the mind of God – His word.Why is it important to renew our minds? Because only there can we find our purpose in life. Only in God’s word do we find God’s design for us and how He wants to fashion us into being a part of His family.John 17 tells us the purpose of our being a family. In the prayer between God the Father and God the Son, we hear their love for us as part of their family. Join us as we discuss their conversation.
“In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” I Thessalonians 5:18In this upside-down world we are living in it can be difficult to give thanks. When our livelihood is threatened and our character trampled, finding the courage to give thanks is stifled by fear. When good is called evil and evil is called good, we seek to reason instead of resting in Him with thanksgiving.The daily confrontations and daunting circumstances surrounding us pose more and more of a challenge to our mental, emotional, and spiritual state of being. Therefore giving thanks is the best way to deal with the ever-changing upside down world of life.Romans 8:36-39 is TRUTH - “As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him that loved us. For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”His Word can be trusted. How we choose to respond to difficulties controls our our thinking, controls our attitudes, and therefore controls our life. Thanksgiving will give us VICTORY IN ATTITUDES.
“Count it all joy when you fall into various trials” James 1:2Now, where is the logic and wisdom from rational thinking with this verse? Normally we avoid trials at all costs - not with all joy. We look for the quickest escape route to return to “normal.”We fail to reflect on the wisdom of the Word that tells us many times that the JOY of the Lord is your strength, which is exactly what you need when in over your head with testing and temptations. Fear and anxiety take over our brainwaves as we look to our own abilities to solve the problem.We are blessed with Biblical wisdom as the only means that teaches us how to pass through a crisis, become stronger, and actually profit from the challenges. Encountering unknowns in life develops character, if knowing the facts, we choose faith over fear. Unknowns are a course in the school of life that we must all attend. Today, how do we respond to these words of wisdom?
“Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves.” 2 Corinthians 13:5When we are fretful, full of anger, anxiety, withdrawn, isolated by choice, and no hunger for God’s Word, it is time to stop, examine and evaluate:Are the facts based on the Bible or my opinions of what I think is true?Are the facts being lived out, by faith, in trusting the Lord as my FINAL AUTHORITY, and is He the FOCUS of my Faith?Are my feelings operating true to THE FAITH that controls my daily choices?TODAY, listen to biblical wisdom on why examining your thinking “heart” will keep your life from spiraling out of control.
2 Peter 1:5-9 “Give all diligence add to your faith, virtue, to virtue knowledge and self-control.”This passage in Peter guides us on the right road for living by faith and signs to keep us on the main highway of Godly living.Somewhere, along the way, we can take a detour on the side path of emotions and feelings, thinking it would be a shortcut, and now are lost in finding our way back. Maybe your GPS, (God’s Protection System), is not working correctly.Listen in today for the safety details of FACT FAITH and FEELINGS and how to use them when traveling this pilgrimage.
As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving” Colossians 2:6-7.As Christians, faith is the basis for our walk with the Lord. It is important that we evaluate what the foundation of our faith is in; facts of the scriptures or the feelings of our flesh.We can’t let emotions and experiences become the final authority for living out our Christian life. Jesus Christ must be our final authority and His truth be the foundation of our faith.We also can't let traditions and rituals determine our Christian walk, a relationship with the person - Jesus Christ is the foundation of faith.As you listen, examine your foundation to find where you can be strengthened in faith.
“When all that generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation arose after them who did not know the Lord nor the work He did for Israel.” Judges 2:10Bridges connect us with where we have been and where we are going. This is true in the physical world, so it is true in the spiritual eternal world. Without bridges connecting the history of the past, we do not know how to learn from the past and repeat the blunders of bad choices.In Judges 2:10-11 we are told that a new generation arose who did not know the Lord nor the work which He had done for Israel. There was no one that cared enough to be a “bridge” to mentor and educate. The result was ruin to individuals and a nation. Are we walking in those same blind paths?Stop and pause with us as we examine the consequences of neglect to DO as God commanded, especially since he provided the means and provisions to fulfill His calling. We have been given an eternal mission for here and now. Be a bridge builder.
“The days are coming when I will send a famine in the land, not of bread, nor thirst of water, but of hearing the words of the Lord.” Amos 8:11Why would God want to make hearing the Word a famine?Perhaps we no longer desire TRUTH as spiritual food, or we only want “food” that satisfies, tastes good, and comforts us without nourishing and healing.Today, information alone is being called truth, but who can trust the truth that can change? The Word of God is being discredited by many as the real source of “TRUTH FOOD.” Only God’s Truth does not change and is the sole source that we can trust. However, it is even being rejected as having correct information.Follow along with us as we look into the famine in our hearts and understand the famine in our land.
“But we Christians have no veil over our faces; we can be mirrors that brightly reflect the glory of the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 3:18If we want to check our growth in Christian living through practical means, we can look at our personality, temperament, actions, and attitudes. Do they reflect in a mirror the image of who God says He is?Can a person say there is something different about us? Can they see Christ “in us?"As the Spirit is cleaning and cleansing our life, we may reflect the character we all long to express – the Life of Jesus.
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavily laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28To labor and be heavy burdened are two descriptions of our conditions that most are facing in one area or another. This can be applied to the physical, emotional, and soul – influencing our spirits.Culture is telling us to have third-party encounters with one another through some device that offers opinions and information for man-made solutions. My question is – “Would Jesus walking on earth advise people to learn of Him through someone else, no matter how sincere?”He wants direct communion with each of us, whether as His children needing His comfort and care or as a person controlled by fears needing Him for life itself.In both cases, there is only one judge to know how to offer rest to our souls that are seeking a reliable source – God himself. The first step – is to come.
“Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test Yourselves.” 1 Corinthians 13:5We have an age-old problem – a portion of the Christian community lacks the discipline to look at our lives with discernment.We want to be given the Truth in ways that do not cause upset to our current way of thinking. If that be the case, then how do we “gear up” to grow in grace and knowledge? How do we learn to love?As we examine our hearts today, will you do the same that we will be able to stand aright and tight in these difficult days?
“Exercise yourself toward godliness” 1 Timothy 4:7-10Godliness can begin with physically taking care of the body through exercise. Our bodies are temporal temples and exercise does require discipline, training, being faithful, and even requires some sweat.Those same qualities are also needed in knowing and understanding the wisdom the Lord Jesus taught for living a life of godliness.Let’s compare how the short-term examples of exercise are a long-term guide to the benefits of godliness.
“Judge not that you be not judged” Matthew 7:1Word matter and the way you use them can change a whole conversation. We can never “judge” the person for condemnation, that belongs to God alone.We are commanded to discern a person’s behavior, words, actions. We are exhorted to discern and deal with obvious sinful lifestyles.Today’s conversation will help decipher when to discern, but not Judge.
“Test all things; hold fast what is good.” 1 Thessalonians 2:21 This mandate is in a list of requirements for being set apart to discern the current “teaching” of the day. They were to discern what was written and spoken was the truth or popular opinion, just words of men.We still battle that same problem today with volumes of information coming out each day to “better ourselves” but may not be according to Scripture. Many apply their testing of all things according to logic, reason, history, or worldly opinions.Our review today offers guidance in checking matters out from the ability to discern right from wrong. Join us!
“For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.” 2 Peter 1:9Life can start with wonderful words of wisdom and affirmation that the God we have trusted is giving us grace and peace. His divine power is drawing our hearts to be conformed to His image. He supplies us with an outline of what is needed, step by step, in case we forget our provisions and remain as “newborns.” We will grow like a weaned child with his mother so our soul will be calmed and quieted so that God’s true love will govern our lives.
“Giving all diligence add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge” 2 Peter 1:5This little nugget of truth tucked away in the progressive path of growth is a command to be fully committed to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; for without faith, it is impossible to please God. Once our faith is established the first attribute is to add Virtue, even before knowledge.Now, why should we acquire the quality of virtue before adding knowledge? Seems like the opposite would be true.Join our discussion today to see the importance of knowing:What is virtueHow to recognize the characteristicsThen understand the characteristics.And then, If we are applying virtue or just sliding by the best way we can with the “facts.
“As a prisoner of the Lord, I beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called.” Ephesians 4:1Many have read this scripture numerous times not taking into consideration thata calling is a part of your job, perhaps in ministry, or perhaps in different areas butit is what you do. The request is to know what your calling is and then how toperform with lowliness and gentleness. There is a strong outline here for how weare to think. Our calling will involve some type of service for others.Let’s evaluate the highs and lows in how to discover where our focus is to becentered and make sure our heart attitude is in alignment with our calling, thatwe may be well-pleasing unto Jesus Christ.
“I, therefore, a prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called.” Ephesians 4:1Life is not to be lived in a sloppy casual indifference of selfish indulgence. This approach is not limited to any age group. We do expect, as growth and training take place, to see a maturity in thinking and knowing how to make good decisions.The calling is already given to us and now, own up to the appointment in being faithful. Ephesians Chapter 4 suggest the manner in making known to others what is real in us. Check it out!
“If anyone does not come to ME and does not hate this father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple.” Luke 14:26Now that is really a hard saying about what love is all about.Words have meanings and without hearing the heart of the speaker we can certainly come to the wrong conclusions. We all like to hear soft sayings that bring comfort and make the heart happy, but we draw back when tough words are spoken.How can we find joy and purpose in hard sayings? Let’s talk!
“The sheep hear His voice; and He calls His own sheep by name and leads them out.” John 10:3The Shepherd’s Voice brings assurance and security when we hear Him speak. There are times in our walk where certain unknowns produce uncertain emotions that confuse hearing.Fear will slip in and replace the sheep’s ability to listen to the Shepherd. Fear has many entanglements, and we get caught up in confusion, never realizing fear has replaced faith.Today there is a way to keep this from happening. Let’s prepare to repair the damage fear does when it controls our hearts.
“With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” Psalms 119: 10-11How do you hide God's word in the heart?Romans 12 gives us a clue – Renew your mind in the mind of God – His word.Why is it important to renew our minds? Because only there can we find our purpose in life. Only in God's word do we find God's design for us and how He wants to fashion us into being a part of His family.John 17 tells us the purpose of our being a family. In the prayer between God the Father and God the Son, we hear their love for us as part of their family. Join us as we discuss their conversation.
“If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself.” 2 Timothy 2:13In the season we are living, having a powerful authority you can depend on for wisdom, in walking through the waters of uncertainty every day, is a tremendous gift to each one who wants to be a part of God’s family.God is love and wants those desiring to accept His gift to also accept His purpose in offering — “all that God is available to every man, woman, boy, or girl that is available to all that God is.”Knowing His attributes and allowing the Scriptures to mold our thinking prepares our minds to be transformed into Christ-like character, which is pleasing to the Father. Let’s take a look at the riches of Christ’s character.
“If indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the Truth is in Jesus.” Ephesians 4:21How we live is determined by what we believe. If Truth is in Jesus, then why do we have such corruption in our lives? Why do the daily struggles far out way the confident victories that are said to be ours?”There is a saying, “There must be a cross before there can be a crown.” The cross we need to embrace includes giving up our plans for the greater plans of the Savior, bringing our opinions, priorities, and thoughts into alignment with the bigger picture, and knowing what that picture is.The Bible has not left us overwhelmed as to how this is to be accomplished. There are really no excuses for believing a lie as truth when Jesus is our Truth. Study with us today as we see the provisions that we have in trading the old for the new.
“Believe in your heart that God has raised Him (Jesus) from the dead and you will be saved.” Romans 10:9Beliefs are vital to a person in establishing who they are and this passage deals with the belief of WHO God is. We have blended our beliefs with the cultural and secular world mixing percepts and concepts that will never work together.It is like oil and water. Oil is lighter and floats to the top. Likewise, we enjoy the light and easy ways of blended thinking, rather than searching out what is really necessary for godly living.Today we examine how to make right what is wrong in our thinking so that in everything we do we may be pleasing in God’s sight. For the person still searching find the foundation that offers a solid and fixed way of understanding.
“The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws themout.” Proverbs 20:5We know out of the heart proceed all the issues of life, but how does that relate to a heart purpose? Does the heart plan on good or evil? What influences the heart in revealing what is the priority on which the heart thinks? In the physical world a heart not working right brings trouble to all the body and a heart out of balance will also trouble our mind, will, and emotions. Take time out today to consider matters of the heart.
“All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirits.” Proverbs 16:2We think we have our lives under control from our perspective and need no otherhelp. A few bumps here and there, coping but never soaring, and often wanting tohibernate to escape living with everyday life.Whether it is relationships of being ignored, hassled, or living with the results of our own poor choices, we find a way to survive. We keep everything on thesurface but never dig down to the root of the problem.Today we acquaint ourselves with some less obvious defenses while hoping to find a place to land that brings peace. There is a solution!
When you meet someone there is usually an introduction of your name and then something about what you do. It takes a name to make what you do important. Telling someone what you do without a name is incomplete to our identity.Likewise, part of our identity as members of God’s family is our being an ambassador to show people what the family of God should look like in today’s world.Many times, we are displaying a bad “identity” because we are attempting to make ourselves look good rather than reflecting our identity of being IN CHRIST. Who we are reflects what we do. How important is this in our understanding of living?
“The spirit of a man will be his support and sustain him when he is ill, but a broken and crushed spirit, who can bear.” Proverbs 18:14How do you handle and react to frustration and troubling conflicts? Some explode,some turn their backs and ignore the hurt and pain, others carry it inside and haveunusual Defense Mechanisms that are hard to recognize.When we want to be strong in spirit we must be pure in heart. Learning to observewhat sounds good may be a cover for a heart that is coping and not really caring.Don’t get trapped in Defense Mechanisms that substitute reality in relationships.We have been given The Great Escape. Let's use it!!
"Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things" Romans 2:1.Defense mechanisms are ways that we react to conflict in order to maintain our self-esteem and avoid anxiety. They are used when we need to reduce emotional conflict or soften feelings of failure or disappointment.However, when we use these mechanisms, they prevent us from moving forward in the joy of the Lord and spiritual growth.
“Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be healthy toyour flesh, and strength to your bones.” Proverbs 3:7-8Denial and Rationalization are two defenses we run to when we believe our own wisdom is the best choice for making decisions. This may not be a deliberate but a place to run to in need to survive and not wanting to work through the difficult disciplines required for change. When scripture is lacking in our life, one of the natural fallbacks is into a pattern of denial and rationalization.You may be rather surprised as you listen to the comfort zone of unbelief!
“The wisdom of the prudent (sensible) is to understand his way but the folly (foolishness) of fools is deceit.” Proverbs 14:8 Christianity has cracked the door open to ways of the world becoming acceptable in the life of the Church, and we don’t even recognize the tangle web that has been woven into our thinking.Rather than accepting the fact that we are called to lay down our lives for others in service and caring from a heart of sacrificial love, we protect ourselves from having to bear one another’s pain. We don’t know how to help others carry the load that plague the soul and spirit. We are great on helping in the physical needs and we are thankful for that blessing. However, we are body, soul, and spirit. All three parts need to be growing and healthy.Heavenly wisdom give us understanding in tearing down our walls of defense, as we allow the Spirit to make the heart of Christ real in our lives.
“For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.” 2 Timothy 4:3-4 Modern psychology is the perfect substitute for God playing in our lives with our own intellect and reasoning. There are many different facets that mar our thinking, and some are so “reasonable” the modern-day church accepts and even endorses them.The church family – The Body of Christ is the only source of light in the darkness of human reasoning and logic.One positive note is that even with self-consciousness within weak or carnal Christians there are “pockets” of believers that are standing strong, growing, and ministering to others who are in need. For others.Some are just too busy to get involved with helping someone with their entrapment of worldly values.Some are too ignorant of God’s word and unable to assist in helping to set free people in bondage.Some want to help but don’t know-how and fear keep them silent.Some are being a witness to the Life of Christ within us – Where are you in this line-up?
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 What is a simple definition of secular Psychology? A study of the natural, our natures, how they function, and how to fix what is wrong. Sounds like a good idea except they want to solve all our problems with man’s solutions. The thought of seeking the God of Creation according to them is not rational or reasonable. Why, because we are smarter and have done away with those superstitions and myths about God. We are our own god and can make those decisions for ourselves, man can fix man. (no he can’t)Grab pencil and paper to jot down a few ideas that are keeping us in turmoil and trauma in how modern psychology has crept into our church lives. Know the facts as history describes and then see the pattern that leads us down the path of failure. Do Christians have another option and can we mix secular psychology with a Biblical worldview? The answers may surprise you.
“Don’t let others spoil your faith and joy with their philosophies, their wrong and shallow answers built on men’s thoughts and ideas, instead of on what Christ has said. For in Christ there is all of God in a human body; so you have everything when you know Christ and you are filled with God through your union with Christ. He is the highest Ruler, with authority over every other power.” Colossians 2: 8-9So what is the purpose of a Christian in these hard times? We talk about changing our troubled culture, but most do not have any idea – how to and what to change.As Christians, we are to know and understand the blindness and how we got these cultural views. We are to understand and explain to blinded hearts and minds how our lives are making choices that dethrone God Almighty. We cannot allow our faith and joy to bring us down into negativity, depression, and questioning; How Then Should We Live.”As we reflect on man’s attempt to bring about a social society that resolves all man’s problems, let’s search for the real answers that are found in God alone.
“My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Therefore, I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
One of the beliefs we entertain and promote is the religious lie that to be spiritual and useful in our walk with the Lord as believers, we must be spiritual giants. The greater the gifts, the more powerful the preaching and teaching, and the more popular and well-known our own ministry qualifies us as Christians living with a 4-star approval rating. RUBBISH!
Our Bible is filled with calling our attention to daily dying to self, decreasing in the importance of “MY” ministry, being willing to suffer, and allowing Christ and His character to take center stage in every aspect of our lives.
Settle back in quietly waiting on the Lord for His mind as we look at how God is shaping us into His image through ways that differ from the popular belief that “Bigger is always Better.”
“Do not lie one to another since you have put off the old man with his deeds.” Colossians 3:9
How many of us have experienced, The Blame Game:
“It’s your fault”, “You made me so mad”
”You hurt my feelings or you don’t meet my needs”
Have these thoughts ever crossed your mind and you used the silent treatment to make someone feel guilty?” How about lashing out in a verbal frenzy assuring the other person they are wrong? Sounds crazy but many do this?
As we accuse one another do those same pitiful arguments go back to our God for His “mistreatment” of us? Living lies is the surest way to the door of misery, anger, anxiety, and blinding us to the Truth.
Is it a lie that we must earn God’s love? Is it okay to get impatient with God’s timing on how He is working in other lives?”
Come investigate how we accept lies to avoid pain and suffering. Learn how we are bombarded daily with lies to keep us under the control of the enemy. Don’t let lies believed as truth affect you as if they were true, even though they are lies.”
“Do not lie to each other. You have left your old sinful life and the things you did before.” Colossians 3:9 Biblical meaning of a lie: To practice deceit, falsehood, and treachery either by word or action. It is the exact opposite of the truth. The sanctity of truth is fundamental in biblical teaching since it is based on the nature and character of God. Therefore, to despise truth is to despise God, and the Scriptures treat this topic with profound seriousness. “A LIE BELIEVED AS TRUTH WILL AFFECT YOUR LIFE AS TRUTH EVEN THOUGH IT IS A LIE.” Some in Secular Society will give you a half-truth – misguided facts - still a lie Some in relationships will color the “facts” so as not to anger or offend – still lies Some will pass on “information” that is not checked out and pass it on as truth – still a lie Some cannot stand the light of Truth – so will speak from a heart of darkness – filled with lies. The Bible says Satan is the Father of Lies. There are many avenues where a person can tell “lies” and believe no harm will happen. Look deep into your heart today as we discuss the “lies of the world” that are not limited to those outside of Christianity but find our old sinful lifestyle still “living a lie.”
“Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the traditions of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ” Colossians 2:8
What comprises vain philosophy and empty deceit? At the entry-level is Humanism – traditions having basic concepts that make man a law unto himself. He can solve all problems and there is no need of God.
We are not sure just how this is working. Tune in and help evaluate the goals for “good” through Humanism.
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. And knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10
Our world in general has lost or denied the fear of the Lord. Without that wisdom, we are opened to man’s wisdom and the most common definition is “Humanism: faith in man, in science, in education.” Man will use reason, not divine revelation, as the guide for moral action and education; resulting in deception…
Trusting in man is seen in many practical examples. Many Christians buy into humanistic thinking and have weakened their moral fiber, allowing a double standard within the Body of Christ, the true church.
We are digging into how this has crept into believer’s lives. Many sincere Christians are not wanting to follow after strange doctrine or are in known rebellion in their walk with the Lord. Nevertheless, denial of Truth is running at an all-time high.
Today, we attempt to expose lies believed as truth, thinking we are growing in grace, when actually not fearing the Lord is grieving the Spirit and our guidance is hindered. There is a shock value as we discover the results of leaving our first Love; so open your ears to hear what WISDOM from God declares.
In John 1:1 The Word of God is declared to be GOD - "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."
John 1:14 The Word became flesh in the person of Jesus Christ - "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth."
John 14:6 Confirms life that lasts comes through Jesus Christ from God the Father - "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me."
John 6: 48-58 offers an illustration of how this works, but the explanation did not make “sense” to some of his disciples that were listening. John 6:63 adds additional understanding to the process via the Holy Spirit. But, still not understanding they were offended and simply did not trust the words of Truth.
Instead, they chose to reply in their own understanding and walked with the Lord Jesus NO MORE. They turned away! They decided that their logic was better and higher than the God who created them.
However, there was another group of his followers, his close disciples. They chose to ask more questions to understand the “hard sayings.” They wanted to trust the Giver of Truth.
What are we doing today when we are faced with hard sayings? Do we seek and search to know?
Many today are murmuring and complaining about the difficulties we are going through. They are NOT asking questions to know more. They are accepting their own thinking, closing their hearts and minds to the Way, Truth, and Life.
As you listen today, examine your heart and be open to the Truth that Jesus is the Word, to receive Him is to also receive His Word.
Isaiah 30:15: “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and confidence shall be your strength.”
The closing portion of that verse says BUT YOU WOULD NOT. Why would anyone want to reject that counsel? As believers we want a secure relationship with Almighty God and enjoy all the blessings He provides for His family.
When we read this counsel from the Bible but will not apply, we lack understanding or simply do not believe it is our final authority. We then turn onto a detour that takes down a winding road to destruction.
Let’s get grounded in the sufficiency of scripture as it was written to and for us.
“And this is eternal life, that they may KNOW You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent." JOHN 17:3
To know everlasting Truth you need to know who and what is Truth, according to the author of Truth. Many today know about the God of Truth without having a personal and intimate relationship with Him. Facts are great but they will never hold up in difficult days without having the life of Truth in our hearts and minds. John 1:1 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
Without the Word as our constant companion, we will remain in infanthood for growth. Be a part of our discussion today regarding the divine desire that has been given to all of us to hide His Word in our hearts, that we might not live a sinful life.
“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12
The definition of “sufficiency” is adequate to do the purpose intended or to meet a need. 2 Peter defines this as “seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.” The scripture is the best book for offering guaranteed promises filled with hope, but they also instruct us with rules of accountability. In world culture we find resistant to authority that demands any control where we want our “freedoms.” Many look at the scripture as being deficient or inadequate. Therefore, they ignore the Bible as being a guide they want to trust. Let’s do a “fact check” in affirming the Bible is not just an extra accessory to aid our model of living with philosophy and methodology; it is the REAL DEAL
“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12
The definition of “sufficiency” is adequate to do the purpose intended or to meet a need. 2 Peter defines this as “seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.” The scripture is the best book for offering guaranteed promises filled with hope, but they also instruct us with rules of accountability. In world culture we find resistant to authority that demands any control where we want our “freedoms.” Many look at the scripture as being deficient or inadequate. Therefore, they ignore the Bible as being a guide they want to trust. Let’s do a “fact check” in affirming the Bible is not just an extra accessory to aid our model of living with philosophy and methodology; it is the REAL DEAL
Romans 5:3-5 “We glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character, and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”
This week on Sharin’ Hearts Mentoring Matters, Janie and Sharon discuss the process we all go through as we mature in Christ. Maturity is not an instant quality we can claim. Our lives are all about learning in every growth stage. Before we can begin our growth toward maturity we must have a relationship with God as He supplies the necessary Truths that are used in establishing our foundation.
There are at least four basic percepts we need to know as we gain an understanding of how to apply them to our thinking and behavior.
Testing and tribulations are a part of this maturing process. Without the God of Scriptures guiding each step, we will find a road rocky filled with many potholes and we will stumble along the way.
Confirm today you have started this adventure or open your heart’s door to begin your Progression Toward Maturity.
The culture that we live in contributes to shaping our worldview, which is why the Bible tells us to be separate from this world. But, the results of a recent Gallup Poll showed that 76% of Christians do not believe the Bible is the foundational absolute truth.
Psalm 19 tells us what the Scriptures will do to help us establish a Biblical worldview and find those places in our hearts where we have been blind.
So, listen with a willing heart as we look at the subtle ways we have replaced God’s Word in our lives.
“A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good, and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” Luke 6:45
As we establish a Biblical Worldview there are principles we use to decide what builds us up and what can tear us down in knowing the mind of God. Many folks are greatly influence by what others think and so we gather our information from unreliable sources. Proverbs 18:4 “A person’s words can be life-giving water; words of true wisdom are as refreshing as a bubbling brook.” They bring healing but many fail to build a biblical worldview because they are unskilled in the word of God. WORDS MATTER as they reveal what is in our hearts. Allowing the mind to trust in its own understanding opens the door of deception which can lead in paths the Lord Jesus never said to walk. Scripture must be our final authority; they are the only words we can trust. God’s word is full of living power and is a guaranteed guide in building a biblical worldview.
Colossians 2:8 “Beware, lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.”
To have a foundation that will stand on solid rock and not be sifted like wind-blown sands, we need to see areas where compromised thinking can get us into some real trouble. Whether it is rational applications as your final authority, logic according to changing facts or media madness consuming a large part of our days, and some nights, we find our minds will be in a state of overload with options that profit nothing in securing a solid foundation. We will always be on a search for satisfaction to shore up confused conclusions on “How Then Do We Live.”
Today, we are shining some light on choices that prevent us from building a solid Biblical worldview.
“Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage” Galatians 5:1 The word entangled intrigues me as it means to become twisted together or caught up in a trap, a snare, jumble, muddled. In our world, this may include anything from a spider web, fishing nets, traffic jams, or even relationships involving different worldviews. We have been given by Jesus Christ liberty and freedom to stand fast in how we live, but we find ourselves entrapped is missing this freedom and failing to show what others need to see.Our world has enticed us to accept their values and in doing so we have walked into the trap of entanglement and not being aware that we are trying to live in two different worlds. We struggle to understand ourselves in this dilemma and wonder why there is confusion and looking for escape methods.Let’s check out a simple definition of a worldview and then unravel the entangle blending that sets us up for contentions, struggles, failing to give our children a solid foundation, and living in this maze of compromise, not aware of our choices. Cultural priorities, education, acceptance of differences in life focus, and why that bothers us so much will be highlights for today.
“Go you into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” Mark 16:15This week on Mentoring Matters, Janie and Sharon discuss how the world’s culture has invaded the church.We have become comfortable with simply inviting people to church so they can hear the gospel rather than being responsible to share the gospel ourselves. In the conversation we discuss the reasons why we have become afraid to share in the marketplace.As you listen, look for ways that fear may dictate how you speak to others and the compromise it may be causing in your Christian walk. Examine your foundation to find where you can be strengthened in Christ. Using God’s word to apply Biblical principles, position, instruction, and conformation of Biblical truth and develop Biblical-based beliefs.
“You are God’s building…Jesus Christ is the foundation…take heed how you build on it…you are the temple of God and the Spirit of God dwells in you” 1 Corinthians 3:9-16.Knowing that we are God’s temple and Jesus is our foundation on which all things in our life are built, to take heed means that we are watchful, careful, and prayerful in what we allow to be added to our character development.Sometimes the good of life can rob us of the best life which comes through the valley of suffering, the fire of trials, and the pain of difficulties.So as we grow, build, mature; take heed to pause for the cause of prayer, for the cause of growth, for the cause of Christ, to be a wise master builder according to the grace of God.
“Salt is good; but if the salt has lost its flavor, how shall it be seasoned? It is neither fit for the land nor for the dunghill, but men throw it out. He who has ears to hear, let him hear!” Luke 14:34:35Salt is beneficial to everyone; whether for preservation, for healing, or for flavor, salt can be used to benefit all people.However, in using the analogy of salt in a way that illustrates how we, as believers, present ourselves to others around us, we can determine if we are flavorful, healing, or preserving others with our words and attitudes.Salt will lose its flavor after it has been used so everyone needs a fresh measure of salt that comes from the Holy Spirit as we keep our center at the cross.Much the way a pan is seasoned in the oven, a saint will find that through the trials of life, joy is found in the fire, producing a seasoned saint.
“And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent” John 17:3With all the chaos going on in the world today, many in the Church have become anxious to fix everything that has gone wrong and make sense out of sin.We can’t fix sin; Jesus made a way of escape from sin at the cross, we are no longer bound by sin (Rom. 8). At the cross, we were crucified with Christ, so we no longer have to obey our fleshly desires (Rom. 6). And, at the cross Jesus defeated death (Rom. 6). In anxiety we nullify the work of the cross in our testimony to others.We are called to know Him and to be conformed to the image of Christ (Rom. 8:29). But to know someone requires spending time with them. So, let’s lay all other things aside and purpose in our heart to know Christ and conform to His image so others might know Him by our testimony.
“Seek the Lord while He may be found, call upon Him while he is near” Isaiah 55:6. Current culture has created a “hurry-up” society that must have everything right now, so we live in a panic pace which causes health issues, emotional overload, poor choices and a deterioration of life. Christian culture has adopted this same lifestyle and waiting on the Lord becomes a tedious task rather than tranquility and trust. So, we get busy attempting to solve problems right now and fix culture before it falls apart. We were never called to fix culture or solve sin; Jesus made the way at the cross and said “it is finished”. We can find all the answers with tranquility and growth at the cross.Today, we are called to build each other up and continue to grow in Christ as Hebrews 5:12-14 exhorts. “Solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil” Hebrews 5:14
“First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn” Matthew 13:30According to this parable, believers and unbelievers will be rooted side by side; serving, singing, and even teaching in the church. We don’t know those who are genuinely searching to know Christ from the pretenders who are really there to destroy.There are little subtle signs that say the heart is not right, but we cannot truly know their heart. The Lord knows and we are warned that we will be living among them, so it is important that we have the discernment to live among the tares without being destroyed by them.Today, we are encouraging believers to open their eyes to the truth of scripture so they will not be deceived as they live among the tares.
“First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn” Matthew 13:30 Jesus is using the example of the wheat and tares to describe how believers and unbelievers will be rooted side by side; serving, singing, and even teaching.Many times we are spiritually unaware of the invasion that is going on around us. We get comfortable with the programs, traditions, activities, and routines of Christianity.Today we are encouraging believers to examine their hearts, evaluate their surroundings, and pray for discernment to confidently grow among the tares.
“Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” Psalm 139:23-24.David doesn’t see God as a historical figure or a distant entity, he knows Him as his creator who formed him in his mother’s womb. There’s no place he can go that God is not there, no thought he can think that God does not know.David is asking God, in Psalm 139, to expose anything that is in his heart that he can’t see. He doesn’t want anything to rob him of the sweet fellowship that he has with his Lord.We must recognize our need to ask this same question; that the Lord would expose anything that would contaminate our relationship and some things only the Lord can see hidden deep in our heart.
2 Corinthians 15-16 “For we are the sweet fragrance of Christ (which ascends) to God, (discernible both) among those who ae being saved and among those who ae perishing, to the latter one an aroma from death to death (a fatal, offensive odor), but to the other an aroma from life to life (a vital) fragrance, living and fresh” - Amplified Bible A sweet pure smell can awaken your senses, draw you to another person or aromatic surroundings. A sweet smell with just one pollutant can be a real “turn-off” in wanting to be near that smell. Sometimes the pollutant may be even good for your health, such as garlic, but it will not produce a sweet blending of aromas. There are many ways to offer up pleasing aromas through joy, peace, sacrifice, knowledge and prayer. How do we prepare our minds & thoughts, our personalities, to release the drawing power of the love of Christ? Today, let’s ponder the practical ways to be a sweet fragrance, ridding all the worthless values called garbage.
“Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” 1 Cor. 3:16.Do we know that we are the temple of God as 1 Cor. 3:16 so rightly asks? It seems that there’s a lot of wishy-washy living in the Christian society today. What causes our wishy-washy living?Matthew 7:24 says that a wise man, who hears God’s word and does what His word says, is like a man who builds his house on a rock. But a foolish man will hear God’s word but not do what it says, and he is like a man who builds his house on the sand.The root problem for wishy-washy living is found in the foundation. Jesus Christ is the Rock that we build on; solid, unwavering, and secure, so we will not be tossed to and fro by every wind that blows our way.
The older women admonish the young women to love, be discreet, to be chaste, good, obedient, home-makers that the word of God may not be blasphemed - Titus 2.There’s a trend in the culture to do away with the old, do away with history, do away with the old-fashioned ways of living. So, if we do away with anything that makes us “feel” bad then we can “feel” good and the world will be a better place, which is a total lie. Rewriting history does not change history; it only causes us to repeat the same mistakes that our ancestors made.With this trend, the Christians have rejected the mentoring established in Titus 2. Instead of the younger clinging to the older for encouragement in the faith, they are pushing them out of the church and out of their lives for the more trending ways of living. Some churches have decided to have 2 services; a traditional for the older, and a contemporary for the younger, separating them even further from each other.The older are being impacted by the rejection, resolving to keep their wisdom quiet in order to avoid strife; resulting in the younger being more influenced by the trends of the world. We could easily insert today’s Christian into Galatians 3:1, Oh foolish Christian! Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth?So, today, we encourage the old to encourage the young, and the young to embrace the old as we stand together in Christ.
“Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you…be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you” Eph. 4:31-32 Everyone has basic needs, but when they are not met, and then anger and hurt often ensue. Over the course of time, unmet needs are stored in a part of the brain that remembers the negativity in life that triggers anger.Along with needs, people are entitled to basic rights, but when those rights are violated then hurt and anger is the emotional response.If anger is a troubling point that you are dealing with, then listen in to see if you can find the solution to the root of anger in your life.
“A sound heart is life to the body, but envy is rottenness to the bones” Proverbs 14:30 Anger is one of the most basic emotions that trap our hearts and add more negative emotions to our problems, starting a roller coaster ride taking us up and down through,. Confusion in our beliefs,. Suspicions regarding others because we have assumed conclusions without having all the facts,. Relying on partial truths that attack our thinking with lies we believe to be true. To get off this roller coaster ride, the book of Proverbs in the Bible offers very practical wisdom with truths that transform rather than leaning to our own understanding, in overcoming and escaping The Danger of Anger
“Do not associate with a man given to anger, or go with hot-tempered man, or you will learn his ways and find a snare for yourself.” Proverbs 22:24-25 Anger begins with an EXPECTATION of what we want, think we need, shocked at something or someone that causes pain to us. We all battle anger at some point. Telling a person to control their anger is like trying to pet a porcupine – porcupines are best left alone and so are those who are chronically angry. Some people that are angry blow-up and some clam up and later build up so much that they explode. God’s love, shown through gentleness is anger harnessed. If anger can flare quickly in your life, but leaves very slowly, join in the conversation today to understand the good and the danger of anger.
“Be angry, and do not sin. Mediate within your heart on your bed, and be still.” Psalms 4:4
So many physical functions within the body occur during the hours of sleep. Going to bed with a hot temper, or maybe just frustrated, irritated, or annoyed will keep the body from resting and restoring a person to meet the challenges of a new day. We go against the very design by our Creator.
Now is a great time to evaluate and examine how to recognize the little signs and symptoms that cause us to choose to handle matters “MY WAY”. We cover the pain of hurt, rejection, and loss by DOING something that dulls that ache in our hearts. Yes, that can give us temporary relief, but those hurts get buried deep inside the building for an explosion and poison our thinking.
Develop the art from the counsel given in the Scripture that begins with BEING STILL. We will be talking about that issue today on sharinhearts.org at 4 pm.
“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction for instruction, in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16
We hear people quote this verse and then turn around and refuse to apply these very words in their lives. The Bible is GOD breath, they are His words in the original text, but don’t use words of wisdom on me when I am bitter from circumstances that make me anxious, angry, and unforgiving.
To replace bitterness with a peace we ought to LISTEN TO HIS WORDS as they DO matter. We are told to GUARD OUR WORDS and make sure what we said is what you heard with the meaning we intended, otherwise we ignore the Grace of God.
Join us in today’s conversation as we dig into why words matter in going FROM ANXIETY to PEACE.
“Be Anxious for Nothing but in Everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving let your request be made known” Philippians 4:6
In these changing times problems are commonplace and “Be Anxious for Nothing” addresses a situation within the church at Philippi between 2 women. Whether then or now the Word of God remains timeless for the solutions to live in peace and be a guard for our hearts and minds.
Let’s relieve the stress and tension within today as we apply the counsel in living free from FEAR and Anxiety.
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6
We quote this verse a lot and probably think we are applying the Scripture in our circumstances the way the Apostle Paul described.
However, we need to take a closer look at the details. Paul uses absolute words, such as NOTHING, not just a little bit sometimes. He further declares ALWAYS – there is to be a consistency in our thoughts originating in PRAYER; expressed through supplication and thanksgiving. Then, we are ready to make our request known by the manner that He longs to hear and answer.
Today, let’s dive into what keeps us from taking the Words of Jesus, written by Paul, to see what it takes to make a really great faithful servant that is ANXIOUS FOR NOTHING.
“Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice! Have mercy also upon me, and answer me. When you said, “Seek My Face,” My heart said to You, “Your Face, Lord, I will seek.” Psalms 27:7-8
When we are drawn by the mercies of God and our salvation is secure and complete, we are just beginning the progression of growing in grace and knowledge as we apply the Scriptures to our daily lives.
There are essentials for establishing our Father’s will in fulfilling our maturity that is well pleasing to Him and it is easy to accept a path of comfort and miss the Master’s best.
Join our discussion as we evaluate the stepping stones to maturity.
“You are complete in him, who is the he of all principles and power.” Colossians 2:9b
It is very important to know the Person that has authority over all living matters and the power to keep us in the most difficult circumstances where we need security and safety for ourselves, our families, and from authorities that can hold us hostage with their power.
Today, WE reflect on how we find ourselves in places of no escape; WE see what happens when we try to fix our problems on our own. WE struggle with how to trust our authority, Jesus Christ, who allows various trials to come to those that He loves – doesn’t He have the power to keep us safe? When WE CAN’T, HE CAN. Our guide is found in the words of Jesus Christ, himself. Since His words are true and trusting. Join us as explore how being COMPLETE IN HIM keeps our guaranteed hope alive.
“That Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height – to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God” Eph. 3:17-19
This week on Sharin’ Hearts Mentoring Matters, Janie and Sharon discuss the gift of being complete in Christ; with all godliness and love. Recognizing our position in Christ, being students of the Word, and committing quiet, still, alone time with Father God are vital for spiritual growth.
Many times we don’t grow because we are comfortable with where we are, but taking the time to “shop” the scriptures for something new will deepen our relationship with God and strengthen our daily walk with Him.
“If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself.” 2 Timothy 2:13
In the season we are living, having a powerful authority you can depend on for
wisdom, in walking through the waters of uncertainty every day, is a tremendous
gift to each one that wants to be a part of God’s family.
God is love and wants those desiring to accept His gift to also accept His purpose
in offering — “all that God is available every man, woman, boy, or girl that is
available to all that God is.”
Knowing His attributes and allowing the Scriptures to mold our thinking prepares
our minds to be transformed into Christ-like character, which is pleasing to the
Father. Let’s take a look at the riches of Christ’s character.
“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12
The definition of “sufficiency” is adequate to do the purpose intended or to meet a need. 2 Peter defines this as “seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.”
The scripture is the best book for offering guaranteed promises filled with hope, but they also instruct us with rules of accountability. In world culture, we find resistant to authority that demands any control where we want our “freedoms.” Many look at the scripture as being deficient or inadequate. Therefore, they ignore the Bible as being a guide they want to trust.
Let’s do a “fact check” in affirming the Bible is not just an extra accessory to aid our model of living with philosophy and methodology; it is the REAL DEAL
“That I may know him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death.” Philippians 3:10
That verse presents the highs and lows of our walk here on earth. Parts sound good and parts are so scary and perplexing on how to achieve. KNOWING Jesus Christ is first and many spend their whole lives just getting to know Him, which extends way beyond salvation.
Knowing HIM and the power of a resurrected life comes before the hard sayings of sharing in the fellowship of HIS suffering. Let’s study today the mind of Christ in understanding His method of preparation so we may run the race as He has equipped us to do and obtain the prize that is waiting for those living by faith.
“My little children for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you.” Galatians 4:19
For this verse to be fulfilled we will begin by making sure that we have taken the first step in salvation, a new birth. Then we must move forward in knowing and abiding in fulfilling our purpose for why we are created. As children grow and mature their “mission” in life broadens. Many choices change as they seek PURPOSE. Most start off with a purpose totally satisfying self and this needs a renewing of the mind for realizing purpose in living. Many today are bewildered as to how to discern their reason for existing.
The Lord Jesus knew His purpose from the beginning and always followed His Father’s purpose as His own. This week let’s examine the Scriptures to know what can hinder and what can confirm God’s Purpose for each of us in living at this particular time in history.
“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” Romans 5:8
Knowing who we are and our worth in life is usually determined by outside influences. With divided hearts, and differing opinions that result in confusion most are tossed back and forth in finding some form of acceptance according to performance in relationships and positive circumstances.
If our performance does not solve the problem, we are unsure of what to do next. We succumb to ever-changing conditions. Should repeated failures occur we lose all sense of being stabilized and question how to fix the wrongs or just blame someone else.
If we will consent to being loved and accepted by the Author of love WHO provides assurance of worth to our souls, then the comfort we need is ours, IN CHRIST. Today, we will uncover the reality of facts so our faith can grow.
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.” Ephesians 1:3
Many people are burdened in knowing if they are accepted in society, home relationships, church fellowships, and workplace surroundings. All of life holds people in tension and insecurity with doubting. Since they have no apparent solution, they create their own false security.
What does the Creator of all people say about who they are and what is their identify. There is good news for those overwhelmed with questioning God according to His mind and heart. Does God Accept me and if so, on what basis?
“My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Therefore, I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12:9-10
One of the beliefs we entertain and promote is the religious lie that to be spiritual and useful in our walk with the Lord as believers, we must be spiritual giants. The greater the gifts, the more powerful the preaching and teaching, and the more popular and well-known our own ministry qualifies us as Christians living with a 4-star approval rating. RUBBISH!
Our Bible is filled with calling our attention to daily dying to self, decreasing in the importance of “MY” ministry, being willing to suffer, and allowing Christ and His character to take center stage in every aspect of our lives.
Settle back in quietly waiting on the Lord for His mind as we look at how God is shaping us into His image through ways that differ from the popular belief that “Bigger is always Better.”
“Do not lie one to another since you have put off the old man with his deeds." Colossians 3:9
How many of us have experienced, The Blame Game: “it's your fault”, “You made me so mad” ”You hurt my feelings or you don’t meet my needs” Have these thoughts ever crossed your mind and you used the silent treatment to make someone feel guilty?” How about lashing out in a verbal frenzy assuring the other person they are wrong? Sounds crazy but many do this? As we accuse one another do those same pitiful arguments go back to our God for His “mistreatment” of us? Living lies is the surest way to the door of misery, anger, anxiety and blinding us to the Truth. Is it a lie that we must earn God’s love? Is it ok to get impatient with God’s timing on how He is working in other lives?” Come investigate how we accept lies to avoid pain and suffering. Learn how we are bombarded daily with lies to keep us under the control of the enemy. Don’t let lies believed as truth affect you as if they were true, even though they are lies.”
“I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.” Jude 3b
Each has been given a measure of faith. Salvation is a one-time transformation by the grace and power of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Spirit then goes about making all the truth of salvation and beyond reality in the newness of life.
We can really slow down or even mess up His sovereign work toward maturity by centering on serving ourselves; many times without realizing where and why we no longer “lie down in green pastures so He can restore our soul.” Psalms 23:2-3
It is sobering and saddening when we have Light and do not walk in it. Let’s talk about character choices for FAITH to Grow.
“Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.” I Timothy 3:9
The unity of the Spirit is firmly based on the unity of the faith. Modern efforts of organizational unity are based on compromise and a watered-down definition of faith. Faith must be tested to prove if it will pass the circumstances when we have no solution of our own. Faith that grows stronger must be Divine faith, as soulish man-made faith will fail.
We are discussing how to discern lasting faith that comes from a pure heart of love and a good conscience. This is the real mark or target at which to aim. Some miss the mark because they aim at the wrong target. Do you know the difference? Join us.
“The gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with FAITH in those who heard it.” Hebrews 4:2
The message was proclaimed but it did no good because they only heard and did not believe as well. It is only as a result of our faith and trust that we experience the life of rest that we have been commanded to live.
There are conditions for our faith in the PERSON of Jesus Christ to produce a life of trust and do the will of our Father. How do we live the 24/7 life pleasing unto the Lord Jesus? Today, we will share the stabilizing Facts of Faith for our daily walk.
“Without faith, it is impossible to please him.” Hebrews 11:6
Faith is vital in beginning a new life in Christ and continues with that essential practice during our entire life.
When things are running smooth, we can let our faith relax, and then our guard slips and we get careless. Then, when a trial lands on our doorstep and opens the door for all types of half-truths, mixed truths of heavenly living being invaded by earthy thinking, that raises doubts in our beliefs.
“The just shall live by faith, but if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him.” Let’s get to know the PERSON of Christ with whom our faith must live in a close relationship.
“As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby.” I Peter 2:2
The Gospel is preached, - the heart, soul, and spirit are awakened – a new life is born. New life must have nourishment to grow. What are the problems that keep a little one from growing? Let’s give some thought to what is needed for newborn babes in Christ.
“If anyone be IN CHRIST, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, ALL things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17
Not knowing who you are as a person being here in time and wondering what your purpose is, can upset our thinking, creating insecurities, and stress our personalities.
Christ already has the problem solved for those that want to be in the family of God, now and forever.
Life without Christ causes us to search to find a substitute that never brings satisfaction, so we keep searching for life’s meaning. Today, we hope to clarify this issue with a solid solution that comes through A New Life.
“For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, the just shall live by Faith.” Romans 1:17
In Romans 1 that we opened with today, the answer is found for understanding and solving an Identity Crisis.
If we know the answer, then we need to know the right questions to ask to understand how to apply the right answer – a life of faith to faith.
Join us as we compare soul and spirit, who are you “IN CHRIST”?” Who does God say you are? Today’s discussion gives insights into how to have FAITH in the FACTS.
“Worship the Lord in the splendor of His holiness, tremble before Him, all the earth.” Psalms 96:9
When it comes to communicating with God, having our spirits in tune with His Spirit is necessary as we are created to worship. Many attempts to worship in the wrong ways, hindering the purpose of worship. Today, we explore the right way to worship.
“Yet once more I shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” Hebrews 12: 26-28
Verse 26 - We are living in a time when we are all shaken up. Our nation has adopted a lifestyle of indulgence from the gift of being a blessed nation of material wealth.
Verse 27 - Although the ultimate shaking is still future we are feeling the tremors and rumblings of the approaching destruction. Are we preparing?
Verse 28 – If we continue to choose abusing grace, and living without a godly fear
The warning is that our God is a consuming fire. He will purify the pollution of this world.
Today, join us as we reflect on why this is coming and is there hope for survival from this Great Shaking?
“Finally, all of you, be like-minded, be sympathetic, love one another, be compassionate and humble.” 1 Peter 3:8
Peter is not telling us we must agree on non-essential in daily living. Peter did tell us how to avoid divisions in the Body of Christ. Our hearts must be of one accord and Jesus Christ as our ALL and All. Join us today as we share how we can be deceived by little issues that can grow into major differences keeping our hearts focused on our old paths, dividing when we should be uniting. Make sure you are not demanding your rights, your truth as your foundation, because it is the heart that matters.
“Let love be with hypocrisy, abhor what is evil. Cling to what is good.” Romans 12:9
How do we know if we are functioning as a hypocrite in today’s culture – especially in the Body of Christ?
. Do we say one thing but mean another? In the world’s definition that would be two-face
. Do we have the wisdom and fear of the Lord in gaining this understanding?
. Do we misuse our spiritual gifts in the name of love?
Lots of perplexing questions. To each question, there is an answer, and those answers are found in the Bible.
GOD’S love can be our love in every matter of the mind and heart. Let’s take it in so we can let Love be without hypocrisy.
“Reproach has broken my heart, and I am full of heaviness: I looked for someone to take pity, there was none, and for comforters, but I found none.” Psalms 69:20
Cries of pain from the body, soul, and spirit can hit us like a storm when we are attacked by overwhelming circumstances or trauma in torn relationships. Questions as to WHY scream in our agony. How do we handle what appears to be impossible to solve and are there any solutions? Where do I go?
STOP! Get Still and listen as there is HOPE, REMEDIES, and a way to find LIGHT at the end of the dark tunnel.
“God, who comforts us in ALL our tribulations” 2 Corinthians 1:4
The Bible gives us real examples of how relationships and circumstances gone wrong can rob us of God’s peace and comfort. To overcome:
. Recognize our NEED for help and change
. Know God has a solution for every NEED
. Choose to release that NEED, trusting Him for the answer
Then, hope in His love, Believing in Him, will allow us to rest in Him - AVOIDING DEPRESSION.
“Those who know Your name will put their trust in You, For You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You.” Psalms 9:10
Having no one you can turn to in difficult and painful times leaves us fearful, full of dread, and doubting if anyone cares. That can include God and WHO He is. We have grown accustomed to seeing our support and needs to be met. Having to rely on faith in the unseen can really be scary if we do not know our Source of strength. Knowing your Heavenly Provider is more important than even knowing your earthly provider when it comes to insurance here on earth.
We discuss what it takes to know your God of all comfort and how to have your faith cemented in the reality of His Word and promises. Peace that passes understanding is offered to anyone willing to receive it from the hand of God, Who is the only One that possesses true lasting peace.
“Truly God is good to Israel, to such as are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled; my steps had nearly slipped. For I was envious of the boastful when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.” Psalms 73:1-3
This is a typical example of how we establish our patterns of depression as we compare our circumstances with the ways of the world. Today, let’s investigate how these patterns develop and strengthen their hold in our thinking; setting us up for anger, bitterness, resentment, vengeance, apathy, and a season of depression if we don’t find the right “pattern” for breaking these strongholds. Victimization can be a matter of the past.
“The Spirit of a man will sustain his infirmity, but a wounded spirit who can bear?” Proverbs 18:4
Depression can show up in many different symptoms and it may be hard to discover the root problem. Depression can lead to physical problems as the Scripture says a broken spirit dries up the bones. A general description is - Depression is the consequence of wrong responses to life events that remain unresolved in a person’s life. Depression will impact your soul and your spirit. Depression can be a “normal” response when overwhelming circumstances pile up with no relief. Depression can be diagnosed but the lasting solutions are found in the life-giving hope found in Jesus Christ. Listen for the answer.
“I in them, and you in Me; that they may be made perfect in one and that the world may know that you have sent me and have loved them as You have loved Me." John 17:23
Friendships made real are cemented in love. The sharing, the desire to be together, the willingness to sacrifice for others, and the same objectives with the same goals are all afforded us when we respond to the drawing of the Father’s heart desiring friendship with each of us.
Knowing each other’s thinking, hopes, dreams, plans, wants, and needs are just a few qualities that develop in a lasting friendship. TRUST comes after the knowing is mature. Intimacy is earned. Friendships should never be taken for granted, our relationships cannot be half-hearted or conditional, and friendships must be genuine – no cover-up. If those qualities appeal to you then invite The Lord Jesus Christ to be your friend by the tenderness of His Spirit.
“A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24
Being a true friend that stays by your side can require some character development in the relationship. Sometimes words of correction are needed to remove blind spots in thinking. Sometimes special support is needed when your friend has made some wrong choices and is struggling to overcome guilt. There are so many different ways to express the heart of a true friend that brings a closeness of comfort, confidence, and calmness. Let’s take a little time today to review the benefits of being a friend, especially to our greatest friend of all, The Lord Jesus.
“A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24
As we build relationships, even from early childhood, we find that issues that draw us together are not always because of personality appeal. For a Christian, the hand of God is placing one another into positions that will further His plan for each life and how that plan will bring glory to Him, not just someone we can enjoy because of comfort or convenience. We learn as time progresses that a true friend will always be loyal and will “SUPPORT YOUR STRENGTHS AND SHORE UP YOUR WEAKNESS.”
A true friend will be willing to care with kindness, even in difficult places, without feeling burdened by unusual challenges. Sometimes friendships extend outside the “family” connection as brothers and sisters in Christ because one “outside the family circle” needs to be drawn and welcome into those everlasting ties. Expand your meditation time with how you can add a friend to your family.
“Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” Ephesians 4:30
When we choose to ignore the plain simple commands to obey, in love, what is taught in the Scriptures we grieve and can quench the Holy Spirit’s working in our lives. He will no longer support us in our poor choices but wants to restore us if we will REPENT and follow His leading.
Confess in agreement that we are out of step with Him and REPENT, turn around, and change our direction in thinking and actions. Failing to respond to these matters leaves us in self-dependency traveling in a danger zone of doubt, denial, and disobedience. Come visit with us as we chat about the downfall of ignoring the Truth and Grieving the Spirit.
“The spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness, but who can bear a broken spirit?" Proverbs 18:4
We probably do not give much thought that our spirit can be a tool for fighting sickness in the soul and body – an actual healing tool for getting well. With that same thought we are told when our spirits are broken, and torn apart, focusing on the overwhelming circumstances and losses may contribute to the breaking down of our health and wellness. What grace for our Designer and Creator to have built into our body systems strength to fight against what damages and destroys.
Today, let’s see and hear what makes and keeps a strong spirit. The Word of God reveals what may be hidden to many people searching for real solutions.
Then He said to them ALL, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” Luke 9:23
On the surface, these words are not the most soothing to hear in wanting to grow as a Christian. We think we have a good standard of what our lives should look like, but the Lord knows the depths of hidden threats that will rob us of the best. Thank goodness we do not have to lean on our own understanding.
How does one die to self? Join us today, as we expose examples, explanations, and evidence of a life that “Dies Daily to self.” When we appropriate the impossible made possible through the Lord Jesus and the power of His Spirit, the results are strength and joy unspeakable and full of glory for whatever comes.
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5
In that one sentence, we have a mini-view of why we are here on earth at this appointed time and place. God told Jeremiah I am responsible for your very life for a special purpose, he was set apart. The path Jeremiah was to walk included times of trials and pressure. To prepare us for God’s BEST, He may place us on the Potter’s wheel as he sculpts and fashions us for why we were born and formed. Hard times are simply the pressures from the Potter’s hand in reshaping us as a lump of clay so that nothing can mar the vessel He is making. Today, if you are feeling pressed, be aware that good matters are at work in the vessel He is preparing. Today, make sure you are pliable in the Potter’s Hand.
“In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” I Thessalonians 5:18
With the upside-down world, we are daily confronted giving thanks for our circumstances is posing more and more of a challenge with many new pressures. Romans 8:37-39 is TRUTH His Word can be trusted. How do we choose to respond to difficulties in our thinking THAT CONTROL our attitudes? Let’s visit about VICTORY IN ATTITUDES.
“Count it all joy when you fall into various trials” James 1:2
Now, where is the logic and wisdom from rational thinking with this verse? Normally we avoid trials at all costs,s not with all joy. We look for the quickest escape route to return to “normal.” We fail to reflect on the wisdom of the Word that tells us many times that the JOY of the Lord is your strength, which is exactly what you need when in over your head with testing and temptations. Fear and anxiety take over our brainwaves as we look to our own abilities to solve the problem.
We are blessed with Biblical wisdom as the only means that teaches us how to pass through a crisis, become stronger, and actually profit from the challenges. Encountering unknowns in life develops character, if knowing the facts, we choose faith over fear. Unknowns are a course in the school of life that we must all attend. Today, how do we respond to these words of wisdom?
“Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves.” 2 Corinthians 13:5
When we are fretful, full of anger, anxiety, withdrawn, isolated by choice, and no hunger for God’s Word, it is time to stop, examine and evaluate:
Are the facts based on the Bible or my opinions of what I think is true?
Are the facts being lived out, by faith, in trusting the Lord as my FINAL AUTHORITY, and is He the FOCUS of my Faith?
Are my feelings operating true to THE FAITH that controls my daily choices?
TODAY, listen to biblical wisdom on why examining your thinking “heart” will keep your life from spiraling out of control.
2 Peter 1:5-9 “Give all diligence add to your faith, virtue, to virtue knowledge and self-control.”
This passage in Peter guides us on the right road for living by faith and signs to keep us on the main highway of Godly living.
Somewhere, along the way, we can take a detour on the side path of emotions and feelings, thinking it would be a shortcut, and now are lost in finding our way back. Maybe your GPS, (God’s Protection System), is not working correctly.
Listen in today for the safety details of FACT FAITH and FEELINGS and how to use them when traveling this pilgrimage.
As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving" Colossians 2:6-7.
As Christians, faith is the basis for our walk with the Lord. It is important that we evaluate what the foundation of our faith is in; facts of the scriptures or the feelings of our flesh. We can't let emotions and experiences become the final authority for living out our Christian life. Jesus Christ must be our final authority and His truth be the foundation of our faith.
As you listen, examine your foundation to find where you can be strengthened in faith.
“When all that generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation arose after them who did not know the Lord nor the work He did for Israel.” Judges 2:10
Bridges connect us with where we have been and where we are going. This is true
in the physical world, so it is true in the spiritual eternal world. Without bridges
connecting the history of the past, we do not know how to learn from the past
and repeat the blunders of bad choices.
In Judges 2:10-11 we are told that a new generation arose who did not know the
Lord nor the work which He had done for Israel. There was no one that cared
enough to be a “bridge” to mentor and educate. The result was ruin to individuals
and a nation. Are we walking in those same blind paths?
Stop and pause with us as we examine the consequences of neglect to DO as God
commanded, especially since he provided the means and provisions to fulfill His
calling. We have been given an eternal mission for here and now. Be a bridge
builder.
“The days are coming when I will send a famine in the land, not of bread, nor thirst of water, but of hearing the words of the Lord.” Amos 8:11
Why would God want to make hearing the Word a famine?
Perhaps we no longer desire TRUTH as spiritual food, or we only want “food” that satisfies, tastes good, and comforts us without nourishing and healing.
Today, information alone is being called truth, but who can trust the truth that can change? The Word of God is being discredited by many as the real source of “TRUTH FOOD.” Only God’s Truth does not change and is the sole source that we can trust. However, it is even being rejected as having correct information.
Follow along with us as we look into the famine in our hearts and understand the famine in our land.
“But we Christians have no veil over our faces; we can be mirrors that brightly reflect the glory of the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 3:18
If we want to check our growth in Christian living through practical means, we can look at our personality, temperament, actions, and attitudes. Do they reflect in a mirror the image of who God says He is? Can a person say there is something different about us? Can they see Christ “in us”? As the Spirit is cleaning and cleansing our life, we may reflect the character we all long to express – the Life of Jesus.
“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavily laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
To labor and be heavy burdened are two descriptions of our conditions that most are facing in one area or another. This can be applied to the physical, emotional, and soul – influencing our spirits.
Culture is telling us to have third-party encounters with one another through some device that offers opinions and information for man-made solutions. My question is – “Would Jesus walking on earth advise people to learn of Him through someone else, no matter how sincere?”
He wants direct communion with each of us, whether as His children needing His comfort and care or as a person controlled by fears needing Him for life itself.
In both cases, there is only one judge to know how to offer rest to our souls that are seeking a reliable source – God himself. The first step – is to come.
“Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test Yourselves.” 1 Corinthians 13:5
We have an age-old problem – a portion of the Christian community lacks the
discipline to look at our lives with discernment. We want to be given the Truth in
ways that do not cause upset to our current way of thinking. If that be the case,
then how do we “gear up” to grow in grace and knowledge? How do we learn to
love? As we examine our hearts today, will you do the same that we will be able
to stand aright and tight in these difficult days?
“Exercise yourself toward godliness” 1 Timothy 4:7-10
Godliness can begin with physically taking care of the body through exercise. Our bodies are temporal temples and exercise does require discipline, training, being faithful, and even requires some sweat. Those same qualities are also needed in knowing and understanding the wisdom the Lord Jesus taught for living a life of godliness.
Let’s compare how the short-term examples of exercise are a long-term guide to the benefits of godliness.
“Judge not that you be not judged” Matthew 7:1
Word matter and the way you use them can change a whole conversation. We can never “judge” the person for condemnation, that belongs to God alone.
We are commanded to discern a person’s behavior, words, actions. We are exhorted to discern and deal with obvious sinful lifestyles.
Today’s conversation will help decipher when to discern, but not Judge.
“Test all things; hold fast what is good.” 1 Thessalonians 2:21
This mandate is in a list of requirements for being set apart to discern the current “teaching” of the day. They were to discern what was written and spoken was the truth or popular opinion, just words of men.
We still battle that same problem today with volumes of information coming out each day to “better ourselves” but may not be according to Scripture. Many apply their testing of all things according to logic, reason, history, or worldly opinions.
Our review today offers guidance in checking matters out from the ability to discern right from wrong. Join us!
“For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.” 2 Peter 1:9
Life can start with wonderful words of wisdom and affirmation that the God we
have trusted is giving us grace and peace. His divine power is drawing our hearts
to be conformed to His image.
He supplies us with an outline of what is needed, step by step, in case we forget
our provisions and remain as “newborns.” We will grow like a weaned child with
his mother so our soul will be calmed and quieted so that God’s true love will
govern our lives.
“Giving all diligence add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge” 2 Peter 1:5
This little nugget of truth tucked away in the progressive path of growth is a command to be fully committed to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; for without faith, it is impossible to please God. Once our faith is established the first attribute is to add Virtue, even before knowledge.
Now, why should we acquire the quality of virtue before adding knowledge? Seems like the opposite would be true. Join our discussion today to see the importance of knowing:
What virtue is,
How to recognize if we understand the characteristics,
If we are applying or just sliding by the best we can with the “facts.”
“As a prisoner of the Lord, I beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called.” Ephesians 4:1
Many have read this scripture numerous times not taking into consideration that
a calling is a part of your job, perhaps in ministry, or perhaps in different areas but
it is what you do. The request is to know what your calling is and then how to
perform with lowliness and gentleness. There is a strong outline here for how we
are to think. Our calling will involve some type of service for others.
Let’s evaluate the highs and lows in how to discover where our focus is to be
centered and make sure our heart attitude is in alignment with our calling, that
we may be well-pleasing unto Jesus Christ.
“I, therefore, a prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called.” Ephesians 4:1
Life is not to be lived in a sloppy casual indifference of selfish indulgence. This
approach is not limited to any age group. We do expect, as growth and training
take place, to see a maturity in thinking and knowing how to make good
decisions.
The calling is already given to us and now, own up to the appointment in being
faithful. Chapter 4 suggest the manner in making known to others what is real in
us. Check it out!
“If anyone does not come to ME and does not hate this father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple.” Luke 14:26
Now that is really a hard saying about what love is all about. Words have meanings and without hearing the heart of the speaker we can certainly come to the wrong conclusions.
we all like to hear soft sayings that bring comfort and make the heart happy, but we draw back when tough words are spoken. How can we find joy and purpose in hard sayings? Let’s talk!
“The sheep hear His voice; and He calls His own sheep by name and leads them out.” John 10:3
The Shepherd’s Voice brings assurance and security when we hear Him speak.
There are times in our walk where certain unknowns produce uncertain emotions
that confuse hearing. Fear will slip in and replace the sheep’s ability to listen to
the Shepherd.
Fear has many entanglements, and we get caught up in confusion, never realizing
fear has replaced faith. Today there is a way to keep this from happening. Let’s
prepare to repair the damage fear does when it controls our hearts.
“With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” Psalms 119: 10-11
How do you hide something in the heart? Romans 12 give us a clue – Renew your
mind in the mind of God – His word.
Why? Because only there can we find our purpose in life as we have been made
and how He wants to fashion us into being a part of His family. Our lives need to
be programmed for acts of being set apart serving while living here.
John 17 tells the purpose of our being a family in prayer between God the
Father and God the Son. Join us as we discuss their conversation.
“If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself.” 2 Timothy 2:13
In the season we are living, having a powerful authority you can depend on for
wisdom, in walking through the waters of uncertainty every day, is a tremendous
gift to each one that wants to be a part of God’s family.
God is love and wants those desiring to accept His gift to also accept His purpose
in offering — “all that God is available every man, woman, boy, or girl that is
available to all that God is.”
Knowing His attributes and allowing the Scriptures to mold our thinking prepares
our minds to be transformed into Christ-like character, which is pleasing to the
Father. Let’s take a look at the riches of Christ’s character.
“If indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the Truth is in Jesus.” Ephesians 4:21
How we live is determined by what we believe. If Truth is in Jesus, then why do
we have such corruption in our lives? Why do the daily struggles far out way the
confident victories that are said to be ours?”
There is a saying, “There must be a cross before there can be a crown.” The cross
we need to embrace includes giving up our plans for the greater plans of the
Savior, bringing our opinions, priorities and thoughts into alignment with the
bigger picture and knowing what that picture is.
The Bible has not left us overwhelm as to how this is to be accomplished. There
are really no excuses for believing a lie as truth when Jesus is our Truth. Study
with us today as we see the provisions we have in exchanging the old for the new.
“Believe In your heart that God has raised Him (Jesus) from the dead and you will be saved.” Romans 10:9
Beliefs are vital to a person in establishing who they are and this passage is
dealing with the belief of WHO God is. We have blended our beliefs with the
cultural and secular world mixing percepts and concepts that will never work
together. It is like oil and water. Oil is lighter and floats to the top. Likewise, we
enjoy the light and easy ways of blended thinking, rather than searching out what
is really necessary for godly living
Today we examine how to aright what is wrong in our thinking so in everything
we do we may be pleasing in God’s sight. For the person still searching find the
foundation that offers a solid and fixed way of understanding.
“The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them
out.” Proverbs 20:5
We know out of the heart proceed all the issues of life, but how does that relate to a heart purpose? Does the heart plan on good or evil? What influences the heart in revealing what is the priority on which the heart thinks? In the physical world a heart not working right brings trouble to all the body and a heart out of balance will also trouble our mind, will, and emotions. Take time out today to consider matters of the heart.
“All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirits.” Proverbs 16:2
We think we have our lives under control from our perspective and need no other
help. A few bumps here and there, coping but never soaring, and often wanting to
hibernate to escape living with everyday life.
Whether it is relationships of being ignored, hassled, or living with the results of
our own poor choices, we find a way to survive. We keep everything on the
surface but never dig down to the root of the problem.
Today we acquaint ourselves with some less obvious defenses while hoping to
find a place to land that brings peace. There is a solution!
“We are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us, we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.” 11 Corinthians 5:20
When you meet someone there is usually an introduction of your name and then
something about what you do. It takes a name to make what you do important.
Telling someone what you do without a name is incomplete to our identity.
Likewise, part of our identity as members of God’s family is our being an
ambassador to showing people what the family of God should look like in today’s
world.
Many times, we are displaying bad “identity” because we are attempting to make
self look good rather than reflecting our identity of being IN CHRIST. Who we are
reflects what we do. How important is this in our understanding about living?
“The spirit of a man will be his support and sustain him when he is ill, but a broken and crushed spirit, who can bear.” Proverbs 18:14
How do you handle and react to frustration and troubling conflicts? Some explode, some turn their backs and ignore the hurt and pain, others carry it inside and have unusual Defense Mechanisms that are hard to recognize. When we want to be strong in spirit we must be pure in heart. Learning to observe what sounds good maybe a cover for a heart that is coping and not really caring. Don’t get trapped in Defense Mechanisms that substitute reality in relationships. We have been given The Great Escape. Use it!!
“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with the endurance the race that is set before us.” Hebrews 12:1
The importance laid out here is that we need to see how those who have gone before lived and overcame the snares of self. If we go against the patterns of freedom provided by our Savior we can hold onto strongholds, repress reality, but eventually will explode, making a mess for ourselves and those around us. Clean-up of these defenses is messy. Are you building steam for an explosion?
“Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be healthy to your flesh, and strength to your bones.” Proverbs 3:7-8
Denial and Rationalization are two defenses we run to when we believe our own wisdom is the best choice for making decisions. This may not be a deliberate but a place to run to in need to survive and not wanting to work through the difficult disciplines required for change. When scripture is lacking in our life, one of the natural fallbacks is into a pattern of denial and rationalization. You may be rather surprised as you listen to the comfort zone of unbelief!
“The wisdom of the prudent (sensible) is to understand his way but the folly (foolishness) of fools is deceit.” Proverbs 14:8
Christianity has cracked the door open to ways of the world becoming acceptable in the life of the Church, and we don’t even recognize the tangle web that has been woven into our thinking.
Rather than accepting the fact that we are called to lay down our lives for others in service and caring from a heart of sacrificial love, we protect ourselves from having to bear one another’s pain. We don’t know how to help others carry the load that plague the soul and spirit. We are great on helping in the physical needs and we are thankful for that blessing. However, we are body, soul, and spirit. All three parts need to be growing and healthy.
Heavenly wisdom give us understanding in tearing down our walls of defense, as we allow the Spirit to make the heart of Christ real in our lives.
“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 heart to the Lord.” Colossians 3:16
Dwelling on the Scripture as our priority will help protect our hearts from false thinking of Psychology. Our soul/spirits will be renewed and refreshed as we sing spiritual songs to one another through worship in music which supports our foundation from Theology.
Man cannot fix man no matter how many behavior patterns are applied with different techniques. It is vital that we understand the real reason for failure in finding contentment through man’s agenda. We are designed by our Creator to know Truth, live Truth, with a joyous heart making melody from within.
Be still for a few moments as we investigate Truth that transforms.
“For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.” 2 Timothy 4:3-4 Modern psychology is the perfect substitute for god playing in our lives with our own intellect and reasoning. There are many different facets that mar our thinking and some are so “reasonable” the modern-day church accepts and even endorses them. The church family – The Body of Christ is the only source of light in the darkness of human reasoning and logic. One positive note is that even with self-consciousness within weak or carnal Christians there are “pockets” of believers that are standing strong, growing, and ministering to others who are in need. For others; Some are just too busy to get involved with helping someone with their entrapment of worldly values Some are too ignorant of God’s word and unable to assist in helping to set free people in bondage Some want to help but don’t know-how and fear keeps them silent Some are being a witness to the Life of Christ within us – Where are you in this line-up?
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6 What is a simple definition of secular Psychology? A study of the natural, our natures, how they function, and how to fix what is wrong. Sounds like a good idea except they want to solve all our problems with man’s solutions. The thought of seeking the God of Creation according to them is not rational or reasonable. Why, because we are smarter and have done away with those superstitions and myths about God. We are our own god and can make those decisions for ourselves, man can fix man. (no he can’t) Grab pencil and paper to jot down a few ideas that are keeping us in turmoil and trauma in how modern psychology has crept into our church lives. Know the facts as history describes and then see the pattern that leads us down the path of failure. Do Christians have another option and can we mix secular psychology with a Biblical worldview? The answers may surprise you.
“Don’t let others spoil your faith and joy with their philosophies, their wrong and shallow answers built on men’s thought and ideas, instead of on what Christ has said. For in Christ there is all of God in a human body; so you have everything when you know Christ and you are filled with God through your union with Christ. He is the highest Ruler, with authority over every other power.” Colossians 2: 8-9
So what is the purpose of a Christian in these hard times? We talk about changing our troubled culture, but most do not have any idea - how to and what to change.
As Christians, we are to know and understand the blindness and how we got these cultural views. We are to understand and explain to blinded hearts and minds how our lives are making choices that dethrone God Almighty. We cannot allow our faith and joy to bring us down into negativity, depression, and us questioning; How Then Should We Live.”
As we reflect on man’s attempt to bring about a social society that resolves all man’s problems, let’s search for the real answers that are found in God alone.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
One of the beliefs we entertain and promote is the religious lie that to be spiritual and useful in our walk with the Lord as believers, we must be spiritual giants. The greater the gifts, the more powerful the preaching and teaching, the more popular and well known our own ministry qualifies us as Christians living with a 4-star approval rating. RUBBISH!
Our Bible is filled with calling our attention to: daily dying to self, decreasing in the importance of “MY” ministry, being willing to suffer, and allowing Christ and His character to take center stage in every aspect of our lives.
Settle back in quietly waiting on the Lord for His mind as we look at how God is shaping us into His image through ways that differ from the popular belief that “Bigger is always Better.”
“Do not lie one to another since you have put off the old man with his deeds." Colossians 3:9 How many of us have experience: The Blame Game, “its your fault”, “You made me so mad” ”You hurt my feelings or you don’t meet my needs” Have these thoughts ever cross your mind and you used the silent treatment to make someone feel guilty?” How about lashing out in a verbal frenzy assuring the other person they are wrong. Sounds crazy but many do this? As we accuse one another do those same pitiful arguments go back to our God for His “mistreatment” of us? Living lies is the surest way to the door of misery, anger, anxiety and blinding us to the Truth. Is it a lie that we must earn God’s love? Is it ok to get impatient with God’s timing on how He is working in other lives?” Come investigate how we accept lies to avoid pain and suffering. Learn how we are bombarded daily with lies to keep us under the control of the enemy. Don’t let lies believed as truth affect you as if they were true, even though they are LIES.”
“Do not lie to each other. You have left your old sinful life and the things you did before.” Colossians 3:9 Biblical meaning of a lie: To practice deceit, falsehood, and treachery either by word or action. It is the exact opposite of truth. The sanctity of truth is fundamental in biblical teaching since it is based on the nature and character of God. Therefore, to despise truth is to despise God, and the Scriptures treat this topic with profound seriousness. “A LIE BELIEVED AS TRUTH WILL AFFECT YOUR LIFE AS TRUTH EVEN THOUGH IT IS A LIE.” Some in Secular Society will give you a half truth – misguided facts - still a lie Some in relationships will color the “facts” so not to anger or offend – still lies Some will pass on “information” that is not checked out and pass it on as truth – still a lie Some cannot stand the light of Truth – so will speak from a heart of darkness – filled with lies. The Bible says Satan is the Father of Lies. There are many avenues where a person can tell “lies” and believe no harm will happen. Look deep into your heart today as we discuss the “lies of the world” that are not limited to those outside of Christianity but find our old sinful lifestyle still “living a lie.”
Colossians 2:8 “Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the traditions of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.” What comprises vain philosophy and empty deceit? At the entry level is Humanism - traditions having basic concepts that make man a law unto himself. He can solve all problems and there is no need of God. We are not sure just how this is working. Tune in and help evaluate the goals for “good” through Humanism.
Proverbs 9:10, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. And knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Our world in general has lost or denied the fear of the Lord. Without that wisdom, we are opened to man’s wisdom and the most common definition is “Humanism: faith in man, in science, in education.” Man will use reason, not divine revelation, as the guide for moral action and education; resulting in deception... Trusting in man is seen in many practical examples. Many Christians buy into humanistic thinking and have weakened their moral fiber, allowing a double standard within the Body of Christ, the true church. We are digging into how this has crept into believer’s lives. Many sincere Christians are not wanting to follow after strange doctrine or are in known rebellion in their walk with the Lord. Nevertheless, denial of Truth is running at an all-time high. Today, we attempt to expose lies believed as truth, thinking we are growing in grace, when actually not fearing the Lord is grieving the Spirit and our guidance is hindered. There is a shock value as we discover the results of leaving our first Love; so open your ears to hear what WISDOM from God declares.
Fact Checked and verified that: . In John 1:1 The Word of God is declared to be GOD . John 1:14 The Word became flesh in the person of Jesus Christ. . John 6:44 Confirms life that last comes through Jesus Christ from God the Father . John 6: 48-58 offers an illustration of how this works. The explanation did not make “sense” to some of his disciples that were listening. . John 6:63 adds additional understanding to the process via the Holy Spirit. Still not understanding they were offended and simply did not trust the words of Truth - Did not agree with the Source. . They chose to reply of their own understanding and walked with the Lord Jesus NO MORE. They turned away. Their logic was better and higher than the God who created them. There was another group of his followers, his close disciples. They chose to ask more questions to understand the “hard sayings.” They wanted to trust the Giver of Truth. What are we doing today when we are faced with hard sayings? Do we seek and search to know? Many today are murmuring and complaining about the difficulties we are passing through. They are NOT asking questions to know accepting their own thinking, closing their hearts and minds to the facts. Open you heart to the lessons we can learn by claiming the words of Jesus to be our only hope and source of lasting living.
This week on Mentoring Matters, Janie Ratzlaff, and Sharon Hoskins discuss the all-sufficient Scriptures as God's Word. It is the truth and final authority and we can depend on it for our everyday living.
Isaiah 30:15: “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and confidence shall be your strength.”
The closing portion of that verse says BUT YOU WOULD NOT. Why would anyone want to reject that counsel? As believers we want a secure relationship with Almighty God and enjoy all the blessings He provides for His family.
When we read this counsel from the Bible but will not apply, we lack understanding or simply do not believe it is our final authority. We then turn onto a detour that takes down a winding road to destruction.
Let’s get grounded in the sufficiency of scripture as it was written to and for us.
Hebrews 4:12: “ For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.”
The definition of “sufficiency” is adequate to do the purpose intended or to meet a need. 2 Peter defines this as “seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.” The scripture is the best book for offering guaranteed promises filled with hope, but they also instruct us with rules of accountability. In world culture we find resistant to authority that demands any control where we want our “freedoms.” Many look at the scripture as being deficient or inadequate. Therefore, they ignore the Bible as being a guide they want to trust. Let’s do a “fact check” in affirming the Bible is not just an extra accessory to aid our model of living with philosophy and methodology; it is the REAL DEAL
JOHN 17:3 “And this is eternal life, that they may KNOW You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.”
To know everlasting Truth you need to know who and what is Truth, according to the author of Truth. Many today know about the God of Truth without having a personal and intimate relationship with Him. Facts are great but they will never hold up in difficult days without having the life of Truth in our hearts and minds. John 1:1 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
Without the Word as our constant companion, we will remain in infanthood for growth. Be a part of our discussion today regarding the divine desire that has been given to all of us to hide His Word in our hearts, that we might not live a sinful life.
Romans 5:3-5 “We glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character, and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” This week on Sharin' Hearts Mentoring Matters, Janie and Sharon discuss the process we all go through as we mature in Christ. Maturity is not an instant quality we can claim. Our lives are all about learning in every growth stage. Before we can begin our growth toward maturity we must have a relationship with God as He supplies the necessary Truths that are used in establishing our foundation. There are at least four basic percepts we need to know as we gain an understanding of how to apply them to our thinking and behavior. Testing and tribulations are a part of this maturing process. Without the God of Scriptures guiding each step, we will find a road rocky filled with many potholes and we will stumble along the way. Confirm today you have started this adventure or open your heart’s door to begin your Progression Toward Maturity.
This week on Sharin' Hearts Mentoring Matters, Janie and Sharon discuss the decline of the Church.
The culture that we live in contributes to shaping our worldview, which is why the Bible tells us to be separate from this world. But, the results of a recent Gallup Poll showed that 76% of Christians do not believe the Bible is the foundational absolute truth.
Psalm 19 tells us what the Scriptures will do to help us establish a Biblical worldview and find those places in our hearts where we have been blind.
So, listen with a willing heart as we look at the subtle ways we have replaced God's Word in our lives.
“A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good, and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” Luke 6:45
WORDS MATTER as they reveal what is in our hearts. As we establish a Biblical Worldview there are principles we use to decide what builds us up and what can tear us down in knowing the mind of God. Many folks are greatly influence by what others think and so we gather our information from unreliable sources. Scripture may not be our final authority. Whose words do we trust?
Proverbs 18:4 “A person’s words can be life-giving water; words of true wisdom are as refreshing as a bubbling brook.” They bring healing but many fail to build a biblical worldview because they are unskilled in the word of God.
Allowing the mind to trust in its own understanding opens the door of deception which can lead in paths the Lord Jesus never said to walk.
Come hungry hearts, as God’s word is full of living power and is a guaranteed guide in building a biblical worldview.
Colossians 2:8 “Beware, lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ."
https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/MM_2021_07_03_Foundations-in-a-Worldview.mp3
To have a foundation that will stand on solid rock and not be sifted like wind-blown sands, we need to see areas of where compromised thinking can get us into some real trouble. Whether it is rational applications as your final authority, logic according to changing facts, media madness consuming a large part of our days, and some nights, we find our minds will be in a state of overload with options that profit nothing in securing a solid foundation. We will always be on a search for satisfaction to shore up confused conclusions on “How Then Do We Live.” Today, we are shinning some light on choices that prevent us from building a solid Biblical worldview. Take note as we unravel the trail of worthless trivia.
"Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage" Galatians 5:1
https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/MM_2021_06_26_Culture-Influences-Beliefs.mp3
The word entangled intrigues me as it means to become twisted together or caught up in a trap, a snare, jumble, muddled. In our world, this may include anything from a spider web, fishing nets, traffic jams, or even relationships involving different worldviews. We have been given by Jesus Christ liberty and freedom to stand fast in how we live, but we find ourselves entrapped is missing this freedom and failing to show what others need to see. Our world has enticed us to accept their values and in doing so we have walked into the trap of entanglement and not being aware that we are trying to live in two different worlds. We struggle to understand ourselves in this dilemma and wonder why there is confusion and looking for escape methods. Let’s check out a simple definition of a worldview and then unravel the entangle blending that sets us up for contentions, struggles, failing to give our children a solid foundation, and living in this maze of compromise, not aware of our choices. Cultural priorities, education, acceptance of differences in life focus, and why that bothers us so much will be highlights for today.
"Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting" Psalm 139:23-24
https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/WTW_2021_06_19_The-Condition-of-Our-Heart-1.mp3
This week on Sharin' Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon discuss matters of the heart. As we read the words David prayed to the Lord, we to can ask God to search our hearts and thoughts to expose the things that we are unaware of.
When our eyes are opened we can see clearly, repent and be lead in His way. So, join in the conversation as we allow these words to be our prayer today and examine the condition of our hearts.
This week on Sharin' Hearts Mentoring Matters, Janie and Sharon discuss how the world's culture has invaded the church.
In Mark 16:15, Jesus says, "Go you into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature." We have become comfortable with simply inviting people to church so they can hear the gospel rather than being responsible to share the gospel ourselves.
As you listen, find why we have become afraid to share in the marketplace.
Examine your foundation to find where you can be strengthened in Christ. Using God’s word to apply Biblical principles, position, instruction, and conformation of Biblical truth and develop Biblical-based beliefs.
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ. According as He has chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love" Ephesians 1:3-4.
https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/WTW_2021_04_24_Blessed-Are-Those-Who-Love-the-Lord.mp3
This week on Sharin' Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon seek to encourage you in the Lord. The wonderful blessings that He gives to each one of His children who love Him are beyond words to describe.
Jesus is our foundation of truth that gives us a relationship with Father God in the same love that they share as Father and Son. We can partake in that love.
So join in the conversation as we discover how blessed are those who love the Lord.
"He sent His word, and healed them, and delivered them from their destructions. Oh that men would praise the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men!" Psalm 107:20-21.
https://archive.org/download/EncourageWithoutWoundingEpisode2/Encourage%20without%20Wounding%20-%20Episode%202.mp3
Sharon and Janie discuss how the wounded can get well. Wounds can be deep and painful or surface scratches that sting, but either way wounds hurt. Using the hospital as an analogy, they share the importance of taking medicine that the Doctor (God) orders. Knowing that medicine is available or having medicine within reach will not work, only when it is taken will it make a difference in our life. Sometimes we look in the medicine cabinet (Scripture) and we just don't know what to take that will make us better. Healing is a process that requires covering the wound in His word. Showing others our wounds only causes infection and disease.
Recorded live on KWXC 88.9 Christian Talk Radio - Grove, Ok.
https://archive.org/download/EncourageWithoutWoundingEpisode2/Encourage%20without%20Wounding%20-%20Episode%202.mp3
"But encourage one another daily, as long as it is called "Today" so that none of you will be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin" Hebrews 3:13. Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing" 1 Thessalonians 5:11. It is easy to take these scriptures with the best of intentions and hurt others with our words.
https://archive.org/download/EncourageWithoutWounding/Encourage%20without%20Wounding.mp3
Janie and Sharon discuss the importance of learning to encourage others without wounding them. Christians have somehow gotten the reputation of being hypocrites who judge others. Christians are not intentionally hurting others, so why has this become what people see. Maybe it's because in our effort to encourage we are being condemning. It's time we change how we encourage others and get a new perspective on encouragement.
Recorded live on KWXC 88.9 Christian Talk Radio - Grove, Ok.
https://archive.org/download/EncourageWithoutWounding/Encourage%20without%20Wounding.mp3
Sharon and Janie dive into the heart of God and take some time to look into His character this month.
We hope that you can join us as we build on the foundation of faith that was discussed last month. 2 Peter 1:5 says, “…giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge…” As we learn the virtue of God’s character we can understand how to grow spiritually into His likeness.
We broadcast live on KWXC 88.9 Christian Talk Radio and kwxcradio.com every Friday at noon (CST). If that time is not convenient, you can listen here to the recorded podcast each week. Feb. 3rd, 10th, 17th and 24th will be added after each show.
We also want to say thank you for your prayers and support. The feedback you give is encouraging; thank you. We have enjoyed being a part of your lives each week and hope that you will continue to grow with us. Episode 1 - February 3, 2017 When we know what God looks like we are more likely to recognize Him when He shows up in our lives. We sometimes have a perception of God that does not match who God really is, so truth about His characteristics can bring us into a closer relationship with Him. The relationship "test" is available to download.
Pre-recorded on KWXC 88.9 Christian Talk Radio - Grove, Ok.
https://archive.org/download/TheHeartOfGodEpisode1/The%20Heart%20of%20God%20-%20Episode%201.mp3
Episode 2 - February 10, 2017 Focusing on God as Shepherd in our life, Sharon and Janie discuss the similarities that we have to sheep and how God protects us and provides for us as a good Shepherd. Janie shares some interesting facts about how a shepherd cares for the sheep that we can all relate to as God's sheep.
Recorded live on KWXC 88.9 Christian Talk Radio - Grove, Ok.
https://archive.org/download/TheHeartOfGodEpisode2/The%20Heart%20of%20God%20-%20Episode%202.mp3
Episode 3 - February 17, 2017 Sharon and Janie tackle the three O's of God's character (Omniscient, Omnipresent, & Omnipotent). The all knowing, ever-present, power of God gives us confindence in His ability to work in our lives. It is important that we recognizing God when He shows up in our life so we don't reject what He has to offer.
Recorded live on KWXC 88.9 Christian Talk Radio - Grove, Ok.
https://archive.org/download/TheHeartOfGodEpisode3/The%20Heart%20of%20God%20-%20Episode%203.mp3
Episode 4 - February 24, 2017 Sharon and Janie share encouragement to the saints. They discuss the importance of having a mentor to "do" Christian life with you. Scripture defines encouragement as exhortation and warning. When we are involved in each others lives it is easier to tell when they are about to fall over a cliff.
Post-Recorded at KWXC 88.9 Christian Talk Radio - Grove, Ok. Technical difficulties prevented live recording so Janie and Sharon entered the studio and attempted to share the live version.
https://archive.org/download/TheHeartOfGodEpisode4/The%20Heart%20of%20God%20-%20Episode%204.mp3
The Proverbs 31:30 Woman to Woman show has been on the air since April 2016. You can still listen to your favorite guest by going to the guest connections.
This is Sharon Hoskins writing to you from Studio B located at Grace Harbor Baptist Church in Grove Ok. I want to send you a special invitation to listen on KWXC 88.9 Christian Talk Radio or kwxcradio.com every Friday at noon. I am so thankful for the support and encouragement you give me through your emails and Facebook posts. I have enjoyed getting to know many of you as you have shared your stories with me.
As we begin this new year, my "resolution" is to have a closer relationship with the Lord at the end of this year and I would like to ask you to join me in this journey. I have asked Janie Ratzlaff to host this show with me and discuss topics that relates to our Christian journey. Janie has become a mentor to me over the past six months, not because I asked her to be, but because when I spend time with her I always walk away encouraged in the Lord, strengthened in my faith, and lifted in my spirit. I hope you feel the same way as you spend time with us listening as we share in our relationship to the Lord.
This month we are talking about ways that we can start the new year right toward the Lord. We touch on topics of forgiveness, perseverance, establishing turning points, remembering the victories and renewing our first love. Episode 1 - January 06, 2017 https://archive.org/download/Episode1WaysToStartTheNewYearRight/Episode%201_Ways%20to%20Start%20the%20New%20Year%20Right.mp3 Episode 2 - January 13, 2017 https://archive.org/download/Episode2WaysToStartTheNewYearRight/Episode%202_Ways%20to%20Start%20the%20New%20Year%20Right.mp3
Episode 3 - January 20, 2017 We spent some time discussing the inauguration and how we can continue to trust God in the unknown future of our country.
https://archive.org/download/Episode3WaysToStartTheNewYearRight/Episode%203_Ways%20to%20Start%20the%20New%20Year%20Right.mp3
Episode 4 - January 27, 2017 We camped out on faith today and gave some encouragement for how to grow in our faith through our relationship with the Lord. Janie shared a teaching handout for those who need help recognizing the works of the flesh.
https://archive.org/download/Episode4WaysToStartTheNewYearRight/Episode%204_Ways%20to%20Start%20the%20New%20Year%20Right.mp3
We hope you enjoyed this month's programming. During the month of February, we will be looking at "The Heart of God". It is important that we understand who God is and what His character looks like so that we can recognize Him when He speaks.
Janie Ratzlaff has been in ministry for over 40 years; traveling overseas for decades with her husband’s job, she would team up with missionaries in the area and work alongside them. She has worked with Evangelical Mission Ministries, helping with teachings in over 70 churches that were planted in Mexico along with a seminary. She has also assisted in different areas of ministry with His Truth Transforms International. She trained and worked as a Biblical counselor and teacher. She has written and developed “Wellness Wisdom Workshops” and “Lighthouse Lifelines” both were made into seminars and study groups for churches, and put into Christian educational institutions both stateside and international. She is active in her local church teaching young girls and a prayer class. Every week she hosts a live radio show with Sharon Hoskins to mentor listeners and encourage them in their walk with God.
Follows is a series of broadcasts from 2016. 12-16-16 Janie encourages us with the remedy for bitterness. Ending this year's teaching with ways to recognize the symptoms of bitterness and scripture to help us find healing. More information about Bruce and Toni Hebel can be found at Forgiving Forward. Recorded live on KWXC 88.9 Christian Talk Radio in Grove, Ok.
https://archive.org/download/JanieRatzlaff121616/Janie%20Ratzlaff%2012-16-16.mp3
12-09-16 Building on the sufficiency of scripture, Janie shares a teaching on our belief systems. She gives us a list of lies we have been told and the truth of scripture that we should be trusting instead. Once we recognize the lies we have believed we can begin to renew our mind with the truth of God's word. She offers two teaching handouts this week are Defining Lies and Process for Renewing the Mind. Please forgive the first 7 minutes, it has a bit of noise that couldn't be edited out, but recording gets better after that time. Recorded live on KWXC 88.9 Christian Talk Radio in Grove, OK. https://archive.org/download/JanieRatzlaff120916/Janie%20Ratzlaff%2012-09-16.mp3
12-02-16 Janie shares a teaching on the sufficiency of scripture. God's word is without flaw and is true, but do we believe that the scriptures are true for us? She shares scriptures that define sufficiency and helps us learn to apply scriptures in our life. Although she doesn't mention teaching handouts, she does have Renewing The Mind - Part 1 , Renewing The Mind - Part 2 , Renewing The Mind - Part 3 and Putting Off / Putting On available for you to download. If you are interested in receiving the booklet, "The Sufficiency of Scripture" please contact us. Recorded live on KWXC 88.9 Christian Talk Radio in Grove, Ok.
https://archive.org/download/JanieRatzlaff120216/Janie%20Ratzlaff%2012-02-16.mp3
11-18-16 Technical difficulties have prevented us from making this podcast available to you. We apologize for any inconvenience. You can listen to the teaching on 12-02-16 and receive much of the information that was discussed on this date. The teaching handout The Truth About Me is also available for you to download.
11-11-16 Janie shares the second part in her teaching series on depression. She describes the emotions and other causes that can contribute to depression. Janie teaches on how to recognize depression and gives a definition of spiritual depression. She shares scripture to help us apply God's word to overcome the heavy weight of depression and give us hope. This is the second part of the teaching that began with the podcast "10-21-16" If you are struggling with depression you can glean from her message and be encouraged. She offers teaching handouts Body-Soul-Spirit , Recognize Depression , Symptoms and Anedotes for you to download. Recorded live on KWXC 88.9 Christian Talk Radio in Grove, OK.
https://archive.org/download/JanieRatzlaff111116/Janie%20Ratzlaff%2011-11-16.mp3
10-21-16 Janie shares a teaching on the causes, cures, and other emotions that contribute to depression and how to ...
Connect with Mary Beth Sheridan
For the last three years I have served as the Director of the Women’s Ministry at Cornerstone Church in Grove, Oklahoma. I along with my husband, Mark, have been very active in the church with youth as I serve on the praise and worship team, and bible teaching. Previously, we spent 10 years at Christ Church, where we served as children’s pastors, after having spent a year as Associate Pastors at Jay Family Worship Center in Jay, Oklahoma. Overall, we have 19 years of experience in the ministry. We are parents to two children, Joshua and Rachel, and proud grandparents to 4 grandsons, Abram, Michael, Micah, and Lucas.
https://archive.org/download/MaryBethSheridan/Mary%20Beth%20Sheridan.mp3
My childhood was unlike most, in that I grew up with 12 brothers and sisters. At the age of 11, my life changed overnight. I lost everything that I had ever known- my home, my siblings, parents, aunts, and uncles. Life as I knew it, changed forever. I am a survivor of child abuse, neglect, and eventually, abandonment. From the age of 11 to the age of 18, I lived in 9 different homes. Because I lived in so many places, I was raised with many different religions, beliefs, and lifestyles. This has helped to shape me into the person I am today, as I have experienced many different ways of life. I had always tried to live up to what my foster parents expected of me but had always felt that it was unobtainable. At the age of 24, I was ready to give up and had thoughts of ending my life. That was when I began going to counseling, and in my search of healing, I found Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. It was then that the healing process began. He made me feel like I had purpose, and leaning on Him gave me the strength to help others overcome the same difficulties that I had experienced just a short time before. It is my passion to see people who are suffering to overcome and have someone to lean on and to know that we all have problems, but that we are not the problem. Problems are opportunities to overcome and I am an over comer with Jesus as the center of help. Teaching others the word of God is my passion.
Connect with Christi Craddock at HisTruthTransforms.org.
Christi is President of His Truth Transforms International (HTTI), a non-denominational Biblical counseling ministry. After many years away from God she returned to the foundational faith she was raised on and found where her true peace and contentment come from which is a personal, intimate relationship with Jesus Christ.
Christi has worked in the legal profession for over 30 years and gained a unique and first-hand understanding of nonprofit management via her service with community organizations and board positions. In 2000, Christi joined her parents, Jim and Doris Craddock, at a ministry they founded and while there served five years as International Director and trained to be a Biblical counselor.
Christi shares her testimony and encouragement. Recorded on KWXC 88.9 Christian Talk Radio.
https://archive.org/download/ChristiCraddock/Christi%20Craddock.mp3
In 2006, Christi and her parents started their new ministry, HTTI, where she shares how every believer can live in victory through providing Biblical counseling, published material, teaching, training, facilitating, and speaking. Christi has the privilege of working with her mom, Doris, and staff members Melody and Kitty, as well as Janie and Bob Ratzlaff. She has had the privilege of ministering God’s Word across the countries of Africa, India, Israel, Moldova, Cuba, and Mexico, as well as with the Billy Graham Evangelists Association (BGEA) at their International Conference for Itinerant Evangelists in Amsterdam 2000, their Conferences for Pastors around the world, and at their prayer center in New York City after 9-11. To find out more go to her website http://www.HisTruthTransforms.org.
Connect with Jennifer Houseman at jenniferhousemanphotography.com, 918-314-6950 call or text. You can also check out her work on Facebook at Jennifer Houseman Photography.
Jennifer is a wife and mother of three very vibrant, active, and involved little boys. She has been married to her husband for 14 years this November. She is very pro laughter and an avid seeker of new friends. She describes herself as very quirky sense of humor.
Jennifer says, "Life in general for me as it has been for many can be a bumpy and bruising road, but it has also provided me with some of the most moving moments that leave me fumbling for words to describe. I feel like I have come though some pretty crazy life storms, but what I’m left with from experiencing the tribulation and revitalizing moments is a passion to move forward with purpose."
Her recent leap of faith took her to become a stay at home mom, and local photographer. She loves art, music, emotion, and creativity. She describes, "Photography has always been a passion of mine, and I feel like a lucky lotto winner to make the choice to mold this passion into a living. I am a blessed woman with a camera, three boys, truck loads of dirty laundry, endless legos, nerf gun darts, and fishing tackle. At the end of the day, the thing that warms my heart the most, the best of the best ….. not a day goes by that I don’t get a dirty, and sometimes smelly hug, kiss and “I love you Mom!”
Get to know her and listen to her story. Recorded live on KWXC 88.9 Christian Talk Radio.
https://archive.org/download/JenniferHouseman/Jennifer%20Houseman.mp3
Connect with Staci at 918-991-5400 and 208 S. Main in Grove, Ok or on Facebook "The Breezy Porch Retail & Retreat" Staci is the owner of the Breezy Porch Retail & Retreat. She is a wife and mother of 3 boys. She is a massage therapist and esthetician. Her love for antiques sparked the idea to add them to her surroundings. As God put people in her path, she was able to aquire the ultimate home for her business; the old 1889 hotel located on Main St. in Grove, Ok next to REC. With the help of Katrina Holt, the Breezy Porch Retail & Retreat is a full service spa…massage, facials, waxing, and all the different aspects of hair and nails. Recorded live on KWXC 88.9 Christian Talk Radio
https://archive.org/download/StaciArnette/Staci%20Arnette.mp3
Connect with Laundry Love at 918-964-9377 Pam is well established in the community as a long time resident and business owner. She founded of the Laundry Love Project, helping families with their laundry needs, here in Grove, Ok. She is also the chairman of the board for the Community Crisis Center; empowering families and ending violence in Northeast Oklahoma. Both of these missions have one thing in common; helping people. Pam’s big heart displays compassion as she works to make her community a better place. Pam shares about the ministry of Laundry Love; what it is and how it was started. She also shares about the Community Crisis Center. Recorded live on KWXC 88.9 Christian Talk Radio Grove, Ok. https://archive.org/download/PamSitton/Pam%20Sitton.mp3 Number for Crisis Center - 800-400-0883
Connect with the Abundant Blessings Center in Grove Ok at 918-786-9557 and www.abundantblessingscenter.com https://www.facebook.com/abundantblessingscenter/
Linda is the mother of 6 grown children and grandmother to 15 grandchildren. She has over 40 years experience working in pregnancy centers. In 2008, she approached the Grove Ministerial Alliance to start the Abundant Blessings Center. This Center not only helps pregnant women, but also women and families in crisis. Since opening their doors, they have offered spiritual, emotional, and physical help to many families who are working to put their lives together after making difficult choices.
https://archive.org/download/LindaSmith/Linda%20Smith.mp3
Connect with Karen Moore and the Lighthouse Pregnancy Center at 918-253-5472
Karen is the Director of Lighthouse Pregnancy Center in Jay, Ok. Lighthouse opened it’s doors in Aug of 2005. Karen grew up in a Christian home and accepted Jesus into her life in 3rd grade church “Pioneer Girls”. While she had this wonderful foundation the turning point in her walk with Christ came many years and life lessons later. She’s passionate about Bible study, teaching and sharing the Good News and Lighthouse has been pivotal in her journey.
https://archive.org/download/KarenMoore/KarenMoore.mp3
Karen shares their many programs that help pregnant women, young mothers, and grandparents raising their grandchildren. She shares about the "shape program" that has been placed in many school in Delaware County. A young lady, Ashley Vann, who has been blessed by the Center shared her testimony with us.
Laura Shaw is a full-time wife, mother, mawmaw, mommy to my 2 fur babies Sophie and Lucy. She enjoys golfing, nature, and seeing all that God created outdoors. She also bowls and plays mahjjong. She loves her church and singing in the choir. She says, “I love making people smile. Life is too short, we must enjoy it and embrace it.”
Laura shares a beautiful testimony of how God orchestrated her life even when she thought He wasn't looking. After she survived a brain aneurism, God did a miracle in her life. Listen to her story recorded live on KWXC 88.9 Christian Talk Radio.
We, at the station, are excited to announce the opening of Studio B, located at Grace Harbor Baptist Chruch. Laura was our first guest in the new studio on 09-02-16.
https://archive.org/download/LauraShaw/Laura%20Shaw.mp3
You can connect with Sherri through Facebook.
Sherri is a wife and mother of 4 special little dogs. She has her own business called Puppy Glamour.
She loves to go camping and spend time with her family. She received Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior in 2005. Her experience in discipleship classes as a new believer changed her perspective on discipleship in the church. We will discuss what she learned and how we can implement new ideas to discipling others after salvation.
https://archive.org/download/SherriDillinger/Sherri%20Dillinger.mp3
Connect with Chelsea Hughes by following her journey chasing what matters.
Chelsea grew up in Oklahoma City, she is the daughter of Pastor Marty Hughes, of Grace Harbor Baptist, Grove, Ok. She received her Associates Degree in Culinary Arts in 2006 and her Bachelors in Business in 2009.
She shares practical truth about Christian living beyond the walls of our church building. She encourages us with ways to be a missionary right here at home, at work, and in our community.
https://archive.org/download/ChelseaHughes/Chelsea%20Hughes.mp3
After graduating college, she spent 4 months in the Philippines and China. It was during this time that the Lord put a call on her life to missions work. In 2011, Chelsea spent 11 months living out of a backpack, traveling to 11+ countries, sharing the Gospel and love of Christ. After returning to the states in 2012, she became a children’s pastor in Abilene, TX.
Connect with Dee Humphrey on Facebook or email her at deehumphrey@live.com Dee is a Dental Hygienist, Author, Speaker, Influencer, and Women's Minister.
She has been published twice in the Pennwell RDH magazine, which features all things dental. She was recently given the opportunity to speak at Under One Roof: The National Dental Hygienist Conference. She continues to write articles, being recently published for the fifth time. She is also writing programs and speaking at dental conferences.
https://archive.org/download/DeeHumphrey/Dee%20Humphrey.mp3
But don't let all this dental hygiene talk fool you; this woman loves the Lord and has an amazing testimony. Dee has been in women's ministry for 15 years. She shares how she got started and gives encouragement to others who are in the ministry She touches so many with encouragement and inspiration just by opening her mouth to share the love she has in her heart.
Michelle Roberts is a farmer/rancher, craft leader, artist, interpreter for the deaf, mother of 5, and grandmother of 6, but most of all she is a child of God, Christ's ambassador, and God's Co worker. In all her talents, she brings Christ to the forefront.
Michelle founded the deaf ministry at First Baptist Grove. As a women's retreat speaker and teacher, she encourages others in their walk with God.
Listen to her interview recorded 05-27-2016 on KWXC 88.9 Christian Talk Radio
https://archive.org/download/MichelleRoberts52716/Michelle%20Roberts%205-27-16.mp3
Michelle shares a testimony of recent events in her life that removed all doubt and brought her closer to God. Laura Shaw stopped by to share a little taste of her testimony as well.
Listen to her interview recorded 07-22-2016 on KWXC 88.9 Christian Talk Radio
https://archive.org/download/MichelleRoberts722/Michelle%20Roberts%207-22.mp3
Julie Arnall is 15 years old and going into 9th grade. She plays softball and involved in a college preparation class. She plans to attend Bible Baptist College in Springfield MO and hopes to help others through counseling after college. Julie shares her testimony and encourages all teens to stand in their faith at school. She gives words of wisdom for forgiving from your heart and finding a role model. Listen to her interview from 07/01/2016 on KWXC 88.9 Christian Talk Radio
https://archive.org/download/JulieArnall/Julie%20Arnall.mp3 Julie says, "God has showed me that through the past events in my life I can help others who are going through the same thing that I went through. That is why I want to be a counselor after I graduate college. My mother is my role model. She's such a strong and independent lady and my goal is to be just like her." She is an inspiration to both young and old.
Connect with Rhonda Knox at: yousaidgoministries.com
Rhonda Knox is a Pastor's daughter, a Pastor's wife, the mother of two grown daughters, and one granddaughter. She is the author of "Momma, I've Fallen In Love with Paraguay!" "In the Palm of God's Hand" and "Rhonda, Tell That Story: A Voice For Nepal".
Listen to her interview from 07/08/2016 on KWXC 88.9 Christian Talk Radio
https://archive.org/download/RhondaKnoxStoryOfParaguay/Rhonda%20Knox%20-%20Story%20of%20Paraguay.mp3
Rhonda’s daddy, Leon Vernon was the founding pastor of Grove Christian Center. Her dad past away in May of 2006. Before she and her husband stepped in as Pastors of Grove Christian Center, they were Missionaries in Nepal. They have remained Missionaries as well as Pastors. The only difference now is they can’t stay as long on the field. But their heart is to Go, just like Jesus said to do.