Category: Mentoring Matters

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“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 14:34:35

Salt 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.

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“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

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“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.

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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.  

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“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.

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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.

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“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.

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“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

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“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.

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“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.

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 “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. 

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“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. 

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“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. 

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“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. 

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“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. 

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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 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.

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“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

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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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“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.”

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“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.”

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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 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.  

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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? Let’s give some thought to 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

 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? 

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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. 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 12:30 — 22.9MB)

“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. 

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 12:30 — 22.9MB)

“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.    

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 12:30 — 22.9MB)

“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, 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.