Category: Mentoring Matters

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“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.

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“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.

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“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.

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“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.

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“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?

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“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 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 23:2-3

It 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.

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“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.

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“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.

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“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.

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“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? 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.

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“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.

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“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.

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“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.

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“Yet once more I shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” Hebrews 12: 26-28

Hebrews 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 fear

The 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?

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“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.

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“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.

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“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.

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“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.  

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“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.

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“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.

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“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.

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“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.

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“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.

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“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.

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“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.

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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.

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“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, 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.

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“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 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.

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“In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” I Thessalonians 5:18

In 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.

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“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 – 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?

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“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.

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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.

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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.

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“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.

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“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.

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“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.

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“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.

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“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?

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“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.

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“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.

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“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!

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“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.

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“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 is virtue

How to recognize the characteristics

Then understand the characteristics.

And then, If we are applying virtue or just sliding by the best way we can with the “facts.

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“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.

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“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. Ephesians Chapter 4 suggest the manner in making known to others what is real in us. Check it out!

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“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!

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“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.

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“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 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.

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“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 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.