Promote Spiritual Growth

“For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe. But solid food belongs to those who are of full age” Hebrews 5:13-14

 

 

These verses make a clear comparison of how we feed spiritually in much the same way we do physically. Babies can’t digest solid food and babes in Christ struggle spiritually to digest the more advanced teachings from scripture.

Today we discuss how we should desire the pure milk of the word, yes; but we should also desire to move on from the elementary things to more solid foods so that we can grow into maturity.

So join in the conversation as we examine ways to Promote Spiritual Growth.

Our True Identity

For the Lord will be your confidence, and will keep your foot from being caught” Proverbs 3:26

There’s a general consensus that most people suffer from low self-esteem. And great effort is put towards building self-esteem. We are told to think positive; we are encouraged to accept ourselves and to keep our emotions calm we surround ourselves with things that make us feel good.

Many in Christian society have taught that self-esteem is a good thing, but, the Bible teaches that our confidence is in Christ.

Today, we are looking at how the esteem of self can rob God of His place on the throne of our hearts.

So we invite you to join in the conversations as we discover Our True Identity.

Mentoring the Next Generation

“Looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works” Titus 2:13-14.

 

 

Easter is a time that the world celebrates spring with egg-laying bunnies as mascots. But, for the Christian, this is a time that we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ, so many have re-named it Resurrection Sunday.
Today we are discussing how the blessed hope of eternal life was given to us by the finished work of the Cross; where Jesus died and rose again, can be passed to every generation.
So, join in the conversation as we discuss the foundation of Mentoring the Next Generation.

Time in the Shepherd’s Field

“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. He restores my soul” Psalm 23:1-3.

 

 

The little shepherd boy, David, wrote this Psalm and he grew to be a man after God’s own heart. The many quiet nights alone gazing up at the stars and the many days, walking through the pastures tending to the sheep, were spent talking to the Lord and listening to what He said. David’s relationship with the Lord was built in the shepherd’s field.
The same is true for us; our relationship with the Father is built in the quiet alone time with Him. That is when He prepares us for the lions, bears, and giants we will face throughout our day and life.
So join in the conversation as we discuss the many benefits of spending time in the shepherd’s field.

Psalm 23

“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. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake” Psalm 23:1-3.

The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want. He makes, He leads, He restores, prepares, and anoints! Here, in Psalm 23, David makes a comparison of the Lord’s care for him, to the way that he himself cares for his father’s sheep.

This time of quiet aloneness in the shepherd’s field prepares David for the future he doesn’t know is coming. He will face a giant and run for his life among many other obstacles that David encounters as king.

We too can be prepared for the unknowns that we will face, if we will find a quiet Shepherd’s field to be alone with God; a place where we can listen and be still, waiting for His voice.

So, we invite you to join in the conversation, as we examine how Jesus, the Great Shepherd, cares for us in Psalm 23.

Alone with God

“O God, You are my God; early will I seek You; my soul thirsts for You; my flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water” Psalm 63:1

 

 

The hustle and bustle of everyday living can rob us of the best that God has to offer His children. We like to multi-task everything, trying to accomplish the most of our day. So, we add our time with God as a chore on our “to-do” list.

But throughout scripture, we are told to be still before the Lord and wait patiently on Him alone. Jesus even said in Matthew 6:6, when you pray, go into your room, shut the door, and pray in secret to Your Father.

Today we are looking at some examples of people who found strength in quiet aloneness.

So join in the conversation as we discover the greatness of being Alone with God.

Freedom From Busyness

“Teach us to number our days so that we may grow in wisdom” Psalms 90:12

 

 

We want to get organized so our days will run smoothly, so we don’t forget we
write everything down and then find ourselves with a list that takes a week to
complete, and we need to get it done in a day. It is called busyness.

Now the Bible talks of not being idle and using our time wisely. When we ignore
these instructions, we get trapped in the blunders of busyness and miss the
blessings waiting for us. The problem with busyness is that it robs us of the
goodness of God as He waits to get on our schedule.

Ephesians 5:15-17 “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise,
making the best use of the time because the days are evil. Therefore do not be
foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is”

Today, we discuss how our character reflects the attitudes of a pressured person
and prevents quality time in helping others as well as ourselves. People always on
the run seldom have beneficial fun. Pursue Freedom from Busyness

Blind in Busyness

“The thief comes not but to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I have come that they might have life and that they might have it more abundantly” John 10:10.

 

 

Sharon and Janie continue their discussion on busyness and how to unplug. There are times in our life when unplugging is absolutely not possible. Janie shares some great tips on what we can do in those situations. The discussion covers how we can evaluate the busyness in our life to determine the source. What power source do we have our busyness plugged into and how can we reconnect to peace and rest?

A Lifestyle of Busyness

“But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise” Matthew 22:5.

 

 

Sharon and Janie tackle the topic of busyness. None of us are excluded from busyness, most everyone is affected by “too much to do and not enough time to get it done.” Busyness is often the result of taking responsibility for what is meant for God. The culture in which we live screams GET BUSY! Our children are encouraged to be involved in every activity at school, we are encouraged to be involved in every activity at church, and with career moms today, it seems that everyone is pulling at us from all directions. There are many times when we desire to slow down and get unplugged, but it ends up being more complicated than simply pulling a plug because everything is entangled, and shutting down seems impossible. There are some warnings in scripture that we need to be aware of and evaluate where we are in the busyness of our own lives.

Joy in Adversity

“Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice” Philippians 4:4

 

 

Joy is very often associated with adversity in scripture as the result of accepting the hard times of life.  We don’t wait for the hard times to come before we learn the art of living in joy and developing the mindset our Lord shows us throughout the Word.  Adversity can promote the progress of the Gospel in many different ways.  We must not make it our goal to get out of difficult situations as these may be a part of the calling of God in working out His eternal plan and purpose for getting the Good News to all.  Resting in His wisdom for each of our lives will keep us from discouragement and wanting to throw in the towel when we think we have heard His voice and then plans don’t go according to our best intent, agenda, and desire.

Adversity will have unknowns and complexities, but the foundation that will hold us fast is: looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of faith, renewing our mind in the word, bringing every thought into captivity in a commitment of total surrender, acknowledging our fears and dread of the unknown.  Claiming JOY is all circumstances and learning how to apply, and finally waiting on the renewed mercies to live one day and maybe each hour in trust, obedience; made possible through love and led by the Holy Spirit as Grace Covers All.

Joy of Unity

“And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.” Philippians 1:14

 

 

One of the best descriptions of Joy is:

“Joy is the flag flown high from the castle of my heart, for the  King is in residence.”

“The joy of the Lord is my strength.” “Rejoice in the Lord, with a whole heart, and be glad”.  The Lord is our foundation and source of true joy, with the Holy Spirit guiding us on the path to knowing Him as our life.

Joy is a gift for the hard times of life. It is a source of encouragement to all that can possess it and see it flowing between each other.  Jesus first, Others next, and You last will spell JOY.

True Joy expresses a right relationship with a desire to be of the same mind and of one accord in the spirit of servanthood and humility.  If we have that spirit within us, there can never be disunity. Even with differences of opinion, we can and must have the same disposition.

Let’s explore the Joy of Unity of being one “IN CHRIST” and a part of His family.

The Attitude of Joy

“Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these” Mark 12:30-31

 

 

Attitudes are the foundation on which our actions are built.

This sentence gives us a picture of the important role attitudes play in our lives. Our attitude must start from scripture. Putting Jesus first, Others second, and You last will produce real JOY, but living out JOY cannot be done in our own strength. The scriptures are what gives life to joy in our lives. Joy is experienced through a leading of the Holy Spirit. Paul gives us an example of joy in his letter to the Philippians; which was written while he was chained in prison, yet joy flowed from his heart.

The Joy of the Lord

“Thou wilt shew me the path of life; in Your presences is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore” Psalm 16:11

 

 

The new year is here and we are wishing people a Happy New Year.  We want people to enjoy the new year putting old memories behind and look to a bright future.  Some people are very sincere when they give this salutation, and some say it is a matter of tradition. But is happiness as good as it gets?

The Lord offered a better word in place of happiness.  It is joy.  Happy is connected with happenings and some are good and some not so good.  When we depend on our circumstances to determine how our emotions and thinking relate to our happiness, happiness falls short of what is being offered by the Lord. His joy comes from delighting to do the will of His Father and praying that His disciples may have this joy fulfilled in themselves.  John 17.22

Discover with us the surprises that await when we choose to see His example, understand the joy He offers, and follow the path that leads to true joy regardless of our outward condition.

Preparing for the Storm

“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father , but is of the world” 1 John 2:15-16.

 

 

(“I Will Choose Christ” by Kathy Troccolli can be found at Kathy’s Website)

Today on Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon discuss the benefits that a storm brings. Avoiding a storm may seem comfortable and safe, but we are missing out on the benefits that come in the end. Friendships formed, relationships healed, and character built. Even the forgotten dark clouds that hang over our heads with sudden lightning strikes can cause a jolt of nutrients right to the heart.

In the Midst of the Storm

“For it was not an enemy that reproached me; then I could have borne it: neither was it he that hated me that did magnify himself against me; then I would have hidden myself from him. But it was you, a man my equal, my guide, and my acquaintance. We took sweet counsel together, and walk to the house of God in company” Psalm 55:12-14

 

 

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon discuss the storms of life that we face, not just as Christians, but for every human being. The storms in our lives are promised to come. We can have confidence in Christ as we go through these storms that we will make it through. Many times we think we have to see clearly in the storm, but we don’t; we just need to trust the Lord in it. Every storm of life that has a temporal impact on us is there for spiritual learning and increase. Storms are promised, so we might as well learn the spiritual and increase in the Lord.

Peace from Prison Pt. 3

“I can do all things through Christ which strengthened me” Philippians 4:13.

 

 

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon conclude Philippians Chapter 4 where Paul shares peace from prison with the saint in Philippi.

Peace is not a commodity that we can buy and sell, peace is a person. So what Paul is saying is that he has learned to be content because he knows in whom he has entrusted his life. Many different circumstances have proven that Jesus Christ has always been sufficient. When we develop a solid relationship with God then peace can rule in our hearts. So forming a habit of spending time with God will help us find that close relationship and in that we will know Him, trust Him, and peace is the result.

Peace From Prison Pt. 2

“Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved” Philippians 4:1

 

 

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon continue their discussion in Philippians Chapter 4 where Paul shares peace from prison with the saints in Philippi.

Division can cause us to be separated from all that peace has to offer. Paul teaches us how to bring back unity among the brethren.

They take a trip to Revelation Chapter 3 to look at what Jesus said in His letters to the churches. We can get so busy and wrapped up in all that life throws our way that we too can lose our first love.

Peace From Prison Pt. 1

“Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved” Philippians 4:1.

 

 

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon move into Philippians Chapter four where Paul shares peace from his prison cell with the saints in Philippi.  Paul wants them to know the value of standing fast in the Lord in difficult situations; it would defeat the enemy.

Peace at any price, but we can’t buy peace. Peace is something we all long for but seems to be out of reach. God gives peace in the midst of difficult situations.

 

Characteristics of the Conscience

“Purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God” Hebrews 9:14

 

 

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon continue to dig into understanding the role the conscience plays in our everyday lives.
The conscience is key in aiding our walk with the Lord, finding freedom in Christ, and having ears to hear what the Spirit says. There are many benefits to knowing about the conscience and getting our hearts in tune to hearing the warnings it sends to us.
So, join in the conversation as we discuss the Characteristics of the Conscience.

 

The Challenge of Conversation

“Not that I speak in regards to need for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content.” Philippians 4:11

 

 

One of the main reasons we do not have great conversations is not knowing how to speak to build one another up, we fail to enjoy a life of contentment. It is very hard to engage one another in a conversation that is truly meaningful without conflict. We dwell on the negatives that are shoved in our faces every time we communicate with news and social media. We bring these issues into the Church life where our goal should be to build one another up, but instead, we discuss the woes that can rob us of quiet contentment. Fears surface rather than faith solidifies. 

Let’s have some challenging conversation on “matters that matter.”

Pathway to Hell

“For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.” Romans 1:20

 

 

God has not left us in ignorance as to the consequences that await us for having live our way and not His.  Ours may offer earthly pleasures for a season but the dangers are horrifying beyond our understanding. 

Let’s enter the courtroom of our final appearance before the Judge, Jesus Christ, and ask the Spirit to open our eyes to His Word revealing a life separated from God and His Son, Jesus Christ, The Pathway to Hell.

 

The Gospel of God’s Grace

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” John 1:1

 

 

This one statement alone, but with many others, lets us know who wrote the greatest book ever written and that is the Bible. In this information age, it is becoming more difficult to discern what is Truth as opposed to what is just a truth, depending on your point of view. 

See how GRACE gives us all that we need for our travels here as we are called to know the Truth and that is by knowing the AUTHOR of the Truth.

Travel with us back in time to see how knowing the Person known as TRUTH establishes a life of purpose from the Gospel of Grace.

Divine Truths

“I in them, and You in Me, that they may be made perfect in one and the world may know that You have sent me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.” John 17: 23

 

 

This verse describes Truth as knowing and experiencing personal relationships with God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, not just head knowledge about Truth. Many know the language and information of Scripture without knowing the Authors personally who wrote the Scriptures. We are commanded to be students of the Word for maturity in the Divine Truths.  Come and let us reason together.    

Hear What the Spirit is Saying

 “Hear what the spirit is saying to those who have an ear to hear.” Rev. chapters 2-3 (please read all)

 

 

The description of hearing with your heart is valid and vital for all that know what it is to be a part of the family of God. For those that are yet to become a part of His family, hunger and need must be created and that starts in the heart.

There is great opposition that test and tries an unguarded heart. It is time we prioritize the heart of God in our lives for keeping Him as our first love.

 Do we really know and care about the danger of putting our heart’s agenda first as the standard of learning? We hear with our ears, but we listen with our hearts.  Are we listening to what the Spirit is saying? 

 

Time of Transition

 “To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of the mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Colossians 1:27

 

 

When Christ walked here, He came to set up His Divine order on how to walk in the newness of life. “Old things are passed away, behold, all things are new.” Change is scary and understanding needs the Spirit working in us. 

Today’s discussion reveals how to redeem the time for the days that are evil. Explore with us insights into making fruitful this Time of Transition.

 

Living a Lukewarm Life

“All those whom I love I correct and discipline. Therefore, shake off your complacency and repent.” Revelation 3:20

 

 

We are living in the days of apostasy as the church at Laodicea did. Sliding down the slippery slopes unto destruction does not happen overnight.  It can develop by simply wanting to enjoy the good life of comfort and ease and we start to neglect the virtue of being diligent in holding fast to our First Love – Jesus Christ.

Today, we reflect on the dangers of Living a Lukewarm Life in these perilous times and the accompanying consequences. 

An Overcomer’s Life

 “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me on My Throne.” Revelation 3:21

 

 

Some think this is just a one-time event and why to keep bringing it up. Because there is an urgent need for us to learn to live the reigning life NOW, so to the degree that we reign as an overcomer NOW, we shall be prepared to reign in actuality – forever. We are all called to be overcomers – not just a select few. 

Let’s examine the call to all overcomers, as decline begins with a cooling off of the heart’s warmth and devotion to the person of Christ. 

Overcome The World

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” Revelation 3:22

 

 

Life is hard and challenging even at its best. When our goal is to be well pleasing to the Father we are met with obstacles to obstruct fulfilling the life of an Overcomer. The Scriptures enlighten the way of victory for Overcoming the world – Join us in our discussion.  

Being an Overcomer

 “But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57

 

 

This victory is offered to all who are willing to pay the price to obtain the position of an Overcomer. Yes, as believers, we have overcome death and condemnation through the victory of Christ’s Cross – we then are responsible to be the Overcomer making known His Light to our darkened world in our daily walk 

The benefits are truly “out of this world” wonderful! Listen in and loosen up to make this victory a reality.  

Lessons From Laodicea

“For the hearts of these people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, and their eyes have closed.” Act 28:27

 

 

It is easy to grow dull in remaining diligent in discipline when all is going great, and ease of life is normal. We grow disinterested in those heading for hell, we focus on laying up treasures for our retirement in comfort and become casual about the consequences of sin in our lives.

These fleshly traits blind us in remaining steadfast in our walk and we fail to redeem the time for the days are evil. Today, join in as we learn more Lessons from Laodicea.                      

The Decline into Deception

“God is Spirit, and those that worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”  John 4:24

 

 

We are created as 3- part beings, each having its personalized importance. When we choose to do the right thing in the wrong way, we open ourselves up to the deception of the enemy. His craftiness blinds our hearts to become captive to his dealings. Today, be alert and informed, avoiding the decline into deception. 

Ambassadors for Christ

“We are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us, we implore you on Christ’s behalf be reconciled to God. “   2 Corinthians 5:20

 

 

To be an ambassador is to hold an office or position as an official representative for a king or government. Believers living under the government of God who has rule of everything as He is the Creator of all is a privilege beyond compare. This representation is for reconciliation in bringing world order that glorifies God Almighty. Listen as we discuss –  How do we function as Ambassadors for Christ? 

Gift of God’s Grace

“Grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever” 2 Peter 3:18

 

 

In this day and age knowledge is abundant, everywhere we turn we are gaining knowledge, but is it the knowledge that will have lasting benefits? We send our children to school with a priority to get an education with life skills to be a success. Are we equally as dedicated to understanding grace, how it functions, and why it must be a priority, as grace and knowledge walk hand in hand? Let’s open the only Book that has the wisdom to guide us to a successful appreciation of the Gift of God’s Grace. 

 

God’s Amazing Grace

“My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

 

 

It can be hard to boast when failings and loss show up in areas that allow disappointments and discouragements. We are thankful for salvation secured by the gift of grace, but then, we want to be strong in our own strength, rather than His, for the miracle of grace. That formula doesn’t work.

 Today, as we review church history over the last 2000 years, we can trace GRACE operating in each age, overcoming the doubts that rob and restrict us of a God-Given Life in His Amazing Grace.

 

The Faithful Church

“Without faith, it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6

 

 

Hebrews 11 looks at a list of lives that reflect the character of faith. Only to be what He wants me to be is the heart of the Philadelphia Church, located in the city of brotherly love. The Church’s commitment comes from the heart of love because Christ first loved us and gave Himself for us. Let’s investigate what makes up The Faithful Church.  

True Christianity

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 19:19

 

 

In today’s world with changing values and priorities, we have forgotten the exhortation to be wholly dedicated to a PERSON, God Almighty through the life of our Lord Jesus Christ and The Holy Spirit to guide us.

We substitute a system of works, performances, planning events, duties, and deeds believing we are fully surrendered to the Lord.  Let’s remove our second best, return to our First Love, and learn His heart so we may walk in True Christianity. 

 

 

Deliverance From Deception of the Mind

“I know the works that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.” Revelation 3:1

 

 

How often do we struggle with overwhelming circumstances that keep arriving in our lives, unplanned, and upsetting the comforts and security that we still own? It is so easy to blame others for being guilty of creating the stress and strife we fight. However, we need to turn a pointing finger back to ourselves and question if we have ignored the security blanket that was our protection. Are we to blame for our own problems to some degree? Today, we are talking about the mess we have today, knowing that God’s grace is available with the solutions to live and thrive as He has promised: “to make a way of escape that we may be able to bear it.” As we focus on Hope in Jesus Christ, our eyes are opened, and we see what needs to be corrected to enjoy Deliverance from Deception. 

 

Deliverance from Deception of the Flesh

“Remember therefore how you have received and heard, hold fast, and REPENT.” Revelation 3:3

 

 

The Lord knows all matters as He knew the weakness of this church. He announces that His character is complete wisdom, knowledge, and love. If they had ears to hear and applied His character in their lives they would walk in spiritual health. However, Sardis did not want to listen but wanted to build for themselves a name and trust in their wealth, wisdom, and works as a means of being successful “for the Lord.” They were coming out of the “dark ages” where the Word of God had only been available through a select few. They needed a Great Deliverance from ignorance of the mind and awakening with all diligence the heart, for out of it spring the issues of life. Then they would live delivered from deception of the flesh. 

Come Alive

“I know the works that you have a name that you are alive, but you are dead.” Revelation 3:1

 

 

There is a principle in the Scripture that says, “Point of departure – point of return.” As these letters were circulated to all the churches Sardis needed to remember where the Church had its beginnings and return to the Truths that Jesus Christ gave in these letters. At a great price a few good men lived worthy lives and translated the scriptures into different languages and invented the printing press. The Scriptures were now available to the people who had lived in darkness for hundreds of years. They could return to Truth and Come Alive once more. Are we still living in that freedom? 

 

Standing Strong in the Face of Judgment

 “Now to you I say, and to the rest in Thyatira as many as do not have this doctrine, who have not known the depths of Satan, “I will” put on you no other burden on you and hold fast till I come.” Revelation 2:24

 

 

This promise of hope that came to Thyatira was so needed to the faithful few standing for truth as they were being forced to live a pagan lifestyle of compromise for survival. Rules founded on Satan’s thinking of releasing spiritual responsibility and substituting intellectual enlightenment of love for self – first, last, and always were heading up the program.  

We can see the same type of controls being placed on different people from different countries demanding those inhabitants follow the dictates of man-made thinking today. As these controls become “new laws” for all; Do not be deceived when this way of living is called progress.  It is a self-centered, selfish system from false views of philosophy that depraved souls embrace for their own purpose. Join our conversation to Stand Strong and reap the promise.  

Magnify the Almighty Son of God

“Walk as children of light for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth, finding out what is acceptable to the Lord.” Ephesians 5:8-10

 

 

Do we establish what should be our authority in how we live? Many times, we decide what we think is best for us and that becomes the standard that we choose to live by, without ever consulting the mind of God. We simply send Him our request in what we want Him to do for us. We may sound spiritual, but it is really childish selfishness in wanting our way for our own goals. Let’s return to the standard that the Word of God sets as He, only, knows what is best for our lives here and forever. We need training, as a child, to know how to grow in His Grace and Knowledge. 

Decoys of Deception

 “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.” Colossians 2:8

 

 

If there was ever a command to keep your mind on matters that mandate the heavenly calling it is this verse. We are often told to just focus on the here and now, which definitely is a part of the Christian walk., but unless we are grounded in our Source of knowledge, Jesus Christ, we will fail in our endeavors to live with confidence in understanding the here and now. We have opposition in keeping our hearts and minds guarded against the minds of men that are the decoys of deception – using their wisdom instead of the Wisdom of God which requires knowing the fear of the Lord.  Join us as we discover the decoys of deception. 

Walking in the Spirit

“Walk in the Spirit and you will not fulfill the lust of the flesh.“ Galatians 5:16

 

 

Two paths to choose – the Spirit path or the flesh path – one leads to life, and one leads to death. The flesh profits nothing and can sure make our lives miserable. So why do we make decisions guaranteeing pain? In today’s world, we are becoming dull of hearing by building our own walls of protection that don’t protect but separate us from the Spirit’s Source of strength pointing us back to the Lord Jesus Christ. 

Let’s tear down the walls that divide and weaken us so that we can KNOW, UNDERSTAND, and DEFEND the freedom we have IN CHRIST. The Holy Spirit is the defender of our walk of faith so we are not deceived by what we see in our worrisome world.  

Compromise with the World

“He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but whoever walks wisely will be delivered.” Proverbs 28:26

 

 

Pergamos, one of the 7 churches in Rev. 2-3 was a cultural city with one of the largest libraries in the known world.  Knowledge was premium and a man of science was considered more of an authority than a man of faith. The intellectual mind was looked upon with great authority that crept into the church life with the congregation compromising and following the opinions of man. Slowly but surely, they made soft choices, little things did not matter if they were keeping the big issues upheld. Pleasing self is always one of the greatest dangers we can do. Compromise destroys from the inside out. Do not lean to your own understanding. How did the deterioration occur? Let’s find out. 

 

Promises to Overcomers

“Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.” Psalms 133:1

 

 

We learn what Christ-like unity involves as we understand the stages of growth. People that are in the world but being drawn by the Father God through His Spirit need to have a simple sharing of the Gospel that is easy to understand for acceptance and becoming a member of the family of God, the first step of overcoming… 

As we identify with what is desired of us in God’s family, we can see stages of growth that can cause differences in priorities as we mature – still needing to maintain harmony in becoming like-minded; easier said than done. This is the way we make the promises of God real, to be partakers as an Overcomer. 

 Check out our discussion today as we weave through the maze of growing in grace, making our walk and talk be the same in our attitudes and actions, as proof of being a true Overcomer.  

Promises from Persecution

“Casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” I Peter 5:7

 

 

That promise does not guarantee there will be NO persecution but by casting all our concerns and needs, no matter how tough, we have the assurance His caring includes everything we need to survive the persecution and come forth as pure gold. Should the persecution result in death, then we know as Paul claims, that it is far better to be with the Lord. Usually, the persecution passes and although we may have some battle scars, we are richer in what matters most lasting throughout eternity.  Today, we will offer further insight into the specifics of successful suffering concerning persecution. Come join us.

 

Our Calling to Suffer

“…All who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.” 2 Timothy 3:12

 

 

Most suffering, the Lord told us we would pass through, is allowed to develop our character and understanding of what is important to our Father for our well-being. We allow hard times for our children, that does not always understand, by training them to be able to live successfully in this world. Challenges develop character. There are many examples of lives that benefitted from facing unknowns. Today, let’s review some Biblical examples. 

Overcoming Adversity

“Christ as a Son over His own house, whose house we are if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end.” Hebrews 3:6

 

 

The Church in Smyrna needed to hear words that encouraged and strengthen their hearts to prepare them for the calling God was going to allow in their midst. Everything they knew about how good, how caring, how protected He promised to be was getting ready to test to the max. 

 We don’t choose the time in history when we are to live on earth and Jesus knew these dear souls would need special insight for the different seasons of suffering they were facing. History repeats itself. Are we ready to heed these same words in the upcoming days of unknowns? As decisions are made that threaten our future, do we know our God and can sing “I know whatever befall me, Jesus doeth all things well?

 

The Point of Return

“Consider how far you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first.” Revelation 2:5

 

 

As new Christians, we have accepted our identity in Christ and that is the beginning of our life, in Him. “As time travels forward, many matters can dull us, pull us off course, grow indifferent, and mar us by our poor choices. Living a mixed-up defeated life makes us want the “world to go away.” 

That is not the answer, but there is a solution for returning to your first love in living. The solution is available to anyone in need and hungry for release. Today, join the discovery. 

Christ’s Love Toward Us

Revelations 2:7 “He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.”

The Lord Jesus knew He was returning to His home to prepare a place for His family and those that live on earth during this preparation period would need to understand the DOs and DON’Ts, to keep from wandering.

He has a purpose for each individual to complete before coming to join Him, forever. Super sound advice is issued in these letters to the Churches.

Do you know the Protection Plan with side benefits for all that are willing to qualify as OVERCOMERS? Let’s Talk!