This week on Sharin’ Hearts The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green takes a look at “Your Eternal Reward” by Erwin Lutzer.
There may be tears in heaven. When we reflect on how we lived for Christ, we might weep on the other side of the celestial gates. Although Christians have been justified by faith, Christ will still judge us for our “deeds done in the body whether good or bad.” How well or poorly we do here might indeed determine our status in heaven for all eternity.
Be prepared to have your understanding of the judgment seat of Christ challenged, provoked, and perhaps permanently changed. Will you answer the heart of God that is seeking a bride who can sit with Christ on His throne and rule forever or will you be given a rebuke from Christ and have “shame at His coming?” The choice is yours!!
“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?
“I waited patiently for the Lord, and He inclined to me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings” Psalm 40:1-2.
When we find ourselves in the pits of life, we can find an escape through the scriptures. Building our relationship of trust with God while we are in the pits will not only comfort us while in the pits but also be a solid foundation for getting out.
Proverbs tells us that if we fret and stew, it only leads to evil, so we need to condition our mind to get into a state; an attitude, and heart conviction of waiting patiently on the Lord. It may be hard to get into the scriptures during the difficulty of the pits but it is in the scriptures that we will find freedom in our present circumstances.
No one likes being in the pits but we all find ourselves there every now and then even if our life is a bowl full of cherries most of the time.
So, we invite you to join the conversation as we dig through the scriptures to uncover tips for praying from the pits.
This week on Sharin’ Hearts: The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green opens A Pocket Guide to Social Issues by Answers in Genesis.
America is indeed in the middle of a cultural war. The battle lines are drawn around issues that polarize our society, there are many labels that get attached to these ideas, but labels can often be misleading.
In order to understand the issues, it is important to look at them from both sides, but the biblical side of these issues is not well-represented in the media.
Today’s featurecovers a variety of topics like: when does life begin? What about stem cells, homosexuality, euthanasia, same-sex marriage, and racism? Where do human rights come from, how do we know what is moral? These questions and others are answered in this compilation of topics and it’s contributing authors will layout both the biblical perspective alongside the secular understanding of the issues.
Because we must know what scripture says and how to address those around us in love and grace while still standing firmly on the Word of God and A Pocket Guide to Social Issues by Answers in Genesis is a great place to start.
“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.
The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1
This week we explore the sneaky ways fear grips us and the amazing tools God has given us to fight it. We are all faced with fears of some sort every day. How we respond to these fears is the key to being able to overcome them.
Society uses fear tactics to sell goods and services. We fear that if we forgive someone for hurting us, then we give them an open door to do it again. Fear holds us in bondage and it is easy to allow fear to take root without realizing it.
Join in the conversation as we discover how to overcome fears through His word.
This week on Sharin’ Hearts: The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger pulls “God is Not Fair” by Joel Freeman off the shelf to examine. The really big question is how do we live, as we are called to live if God is not fair? A beautiful, yet simple solution, awaits you as discover the answer.
We often hear our children complain about a situation that did not go the way they thought it should and say, “that is not fair.” Fair according to what standard? Is there an alternative to being fair? God assures us that according to His standard “fairness” must yield to justice under His loving wisdom. Where did “fairness” become our “guiding light” for circumstances that happen in our lives?
The best of men have asked that question: Moses, John the Baptist, and even Job have all wondered why and how God allowed His Own to incur such horrible messes when they thought they were faithfully serving Him.
Joel Freeman portrays and outlines, from start to finish, of how we fall into this way of thinking as being justified by our own evaluations. He uses examples from the logic of man to reveal the mind of God on where our thinking has a false view. “God Is Not Fair” awakens our conscience, in how the enemy can erode our seeking to explain the difficult things that happen. This will hold the attention of anyone from 15-75 years.
“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.
“For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” 2 Timothy 1:7
Fear is a popular tactic that are used on us every single day by the enemy through different types of media which is carried over into our face-to-face conversations.
We face fears in our health, fears in our relationships, and fears in our finances. Fear for our safety can be crippling and even paralyzing. Some become obsessed with preparing for their physical preservation in fear of destruction. Many give up their freedom because fear is overwhelming. News reports, social media, and commercials are some of the places used to manipulate our thoughts with fear.
But the scriptures are the solid rock and the sufficient tool that we can use to overcome fear. God’s word will strengthen us to trust the Lord in every situation and walk by faith.
So, we invite you to join in the conversation as we discuss how fear comes in so many subtle ways and becomes a hinderance in our faith walk because fear fights faith.
This week on Sharin’ Hearts The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green takes a look at Every Body Matters by Gary Thomas.
Weak beliefs about the importance of caring for your body produces weak commitments. The highest authority gives us some motivation.
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 are words that need to be taken to heart, “Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own, you were bought with a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.” We were purchased with a high price to be redeemed and given eternal life in the Son, Jesus Christ.
Every Body Matters doesn’t focus on fad diets, and extreme practices for the body, however, since the body is the dwelling place for His Spirit in ministry for us and others, we need to evaluate the importance we give to the body as we are stewards of what has been given to us. 1 Corinthians 4:2, “Moreover, it is required in a steward to be found faithful.”
“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.
“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ; Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify to Himself a peculiar people zealous of good works” Titus 2:13-14.
God has privileged us to have a relationship with Himself; the God of all creation.
How we care for that relationship can be evaluated by examining our prayer life. Do we find intimacy in our relationship with Father God or do we find distance as words of prayer are formulated out of duty? Maybe some fall into the trap of being too busy to be still in prayer or find that even when time is available the thought to get ahead on the “to do” list takes precedence.
Culture can be coined by a very busy and aggressive society. As Christians in the church, we are very busy too. Some may even get aggressive, so we don’t look any different than the world around us.
So we invite you to join in the conversation as we discuss the relationship that God desires to have with His children; purify to Himself A Peculiar People.
Today, Ginger Green explores Authentic Christianity by Ray Stedman.
Jesus died for us that He might live in us. Christ in you, the hope of glory. Our goal is to move beyond religion, doctrines, rules, rituals, into that life-changing experience of being intimately connected with Christ at the very core of your being-for that is authentic Christianity. This is our only hope to finishing well!
Jesus, by the Holy Spirit, can actually come to live within a human being, and intertwine his life with our own. God’s plan of salvation is aimed in our human will, our decision-making ability. We must make a choice to surrender as authentic Christians, not through intellectually comprehending and accepting historical facts. Our life must be joined to his life.
This “read” outlines the phony from the genuine with illustrations of practical experiences confirmed through the Scriptures.
“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.
“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.
Our way may offer earthly pleasures for a season but the dangers for the future are horrifying beyond our understanding.
Today we are going to pretend to enter the courtroom of our final appearance before the Judge, Jesus Christ. We are going to ask the Spirit to open our eyes to His Word revealing a life separated from God and His Son, Jesus Christ.
So, join in the conversation as we take a look at the final scene of our life and ask if we are on The Pathway to Hell.
Today on The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green explores The Courage To Be Protestant by David Wells.
Whatever your choice, Courage to be Protestant will give you the facts and consequences in the world of cultural change. Read and then decide which camp you belong to and why. Great book for all believers from 18-80 years.
The evangelical world of today looks quite different from a few decades ago and appears to have divided into three rather distinct constituencies.
These three groups are classic evangelicalism, marketers, and emergents. The last two groups are transitional and are stepping-stones toward a more liberalized Christianity.
Over time, the capacity to think doctrinally has been lost as new leaders emerge and the older pastor-theologian model to newer entrepreneurial organization builders promotes a new method of ‘selling” the Gospel; attracting the people in need with a more comfortable appeal.
“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.
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was
God” John 1:1
This one statement, John let us know who wrote the greatest book ever written. The Word was in the beginning, the Word was with God and the Word was God. This leaves no question for our minds to wonder who is responsible for the Word of God, the Bible,
written for our eyes to read.
In this information age, it is becoming more difficult to discern what Truth is 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 in this life. 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 God’s Grace.
Today on Sharin Hearts: The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green peels open the pages of The Greatest Words Ever Spoken by Steven K Scott.
The old saying “Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words can never hurt me.” The idea that words never hurt is a false myth and we know from experience that words can devastate, destroy, and may have lingering consequences for years to come.
On the other hand the right words spoken according to Proverbs 25:11 are ”like apples of gold in settings of silver.” Where do we find such comforting, guiding, healing words? In the promises of God given to us in the Scriptures.
Jesus never spoke with a “double tongue.” What He said He will do and fulfill. Knowing the Scriptures is to know the authentic, real, and true words, not some counterfeit and fake as Psalms 55: 21: describes: “The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart; His words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords.” From the mouth the heart speaks.
The Greatest Words Even Spoken teach us the words of Jesus that have changed the course of history by changing, millions of lives, one life at a time.
“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.
“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
Truth is described in this verse as knowing God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit in a personal relationship, not just head knowledge about the Truth. Some know the language of the Scriptures and others know the information of the Scriptures but knowing the Authors of the Scriptures personally is to know Truth.
Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” John 14:6. Jesus also said, “I and My Father are one” in John 10:30. We are commanded to be students of the Word for maturity.
So we invite you to join in the conversation as we dig into the Scriptures to find those things that pertain to the Divine Truths.
There is a belief that self-esteem, a good self-image, provides the necessary foundation for a wholesome personality and successful behavior. This theory is accepted in secular and evangelical society, no longer a theory, but as established truth.
A noted psychologist speaking to a group at a well-known company was asked what impact the self-esteem movement had in today’s world. The answer was “it was a complete disaster.” Paul Brownback has provided us with an explanation and solution to this problem that has misguided so many in our society.
Ginger Green eloquently shares the TRUTH of self-esteem and the author Paul Brownback, graciously provides an analysis of an alternative that may be found in our TEACHING HANDOUTS.
“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.
“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?
This week on Sharin’ Hearts: The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green takes a look at a great book by Dr. Caroline Leaf entitled, “Who Switched Off My Brain” giving us some insight into the mystery of our brain function.
An intriguing book by a Christian doctor describing how God formed us to function in easy to read format. Many drawings and illustrations to further simplify each chapter. Science with applicational simplicity.
Many people who do not understand the battles they fight, found with clarity and new confidence, a smooth path in thinking that is available to those who want to understand how to keep a healthy brain, resulting in a healthy body.
When the body is functioning the way God designed it to be life takes on a new luster and the Spirit can be at ease within us for His leading.
A beautiful combination of spiritual foundation with science agreeing. “Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ” 2 Corinthians 10:5.
“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.
So, join in the conversation to explore with us insights into making fruitful this Time of Transition.
This week on Sharin’ Hearts: The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green takes a look at 100 Bible Verses Everyone Should Know by Heart By Robert Morgan.
Because, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
Why? 1 Peter tells us “that we have been given great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world.”
Here we have the purpose, the power, and the plan for discovering what the mind of God is for His children in knowing Him. There is nothing that can still our hearts and mind, giving quiet confidence and drawing us into His presence as hiding the promises of God within our soul.
As a child of God, we want to grow up and become disciples (learners) that desire to sit at His feet and learn of Him. In memorizing the promises we can be pleasing to His heart and His Word brings life, comfort and hopes to us. Take some time to focus on the promises of God and in communion with Him, ask that they are made real in your life.
“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?
“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 warnings given to the Church of Laodicea and how we can take heed to those warnings.
So join in the conversation as we discuss the dangers of Living a Lukewarm Life in these perilous times and the accompanying consequences.
Today on the Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green takes a look at Limiting God by John Hunter.
The phrase “Failure is the back door to success” certainly has merit. Do words like fearfulness, selfishness, unbelief, failure, pride, laziness, ignorance, immaturity ever cross your mind as you stop and have conversations with yourself about how you wish you did not have to do battle with these patterns in your thought life? You know the Word says to bring every thought captive, but when swimming with strokes of repetitive thinking, these words have developed into lifestyles of living. So, really what is the harm if you are just coping?
The main reason this way of living should not remain dominant is that without change your life will be LIMITING GOD in all that you do. We have been given precious promises for living an abundant life now. Stopping short of that goal pulls us into fake and false thinking as an acceptable standard for who we really are as children of God. This in turn robs us of the joy, peace, calm, contentment, and an inability to grow in grace and knowledge, having Christ formed in you, with waging war against the enemy that Jesus Christ defeated on the Cross. It is the fruit of blessing when our walk and talk are consistent and others can benefit from our testimony.
The Old Testament examples are given to help us see and understand the New Testament principles and how they can be applied.
Limiting God is an analysis of Christian failure with the sure answer for success in Christ.
“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.
“To him who overcomes will I grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.” Revelation 3:21
Some think overcoming is just a one-time event that came with salvation so why do we need to keep overcoming? Because there is an urgent need for us to learn to live the reigning life (eternity) NOW, so to the degree that we reign as an overcomer NOW, we shall be prepared to reign in actuality – forever. All of us are all called to be overcomers – not just a select few.
So join in the conversation as we discuss the call to all overcomers and examine the decline of devotion to the person of Jesus Christ that begins in the heart.
This week on Sharin’ Hearts: The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green examines “Learn the Bible in 24 Hours” by Chuck Missler.
The New Translation in Everyday English expresses 11 Timothy 3:16 as follows: All Scripture is breathed out by God and useful for teaching, for conviction, for correction and for disciplined training in righteousness, in order to make the man of God adequate, and fully to equip him for every good task. This is the heavenly solution for our earthly problems. However, to be able to use this precious resource we need to be in the Word and a student of discipline study to glean all that is available to us, NOW.
Proverbs 3:5-7 gives us sound advise to Trust in the Lord with all our hearts and lean not unto our own understanding, but in ALL our ways acknowledge Him and he shall direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh, and strength to your bones.
What joyful exhortations we are given to make our center of reading and study the Word of God. Chuck Missler has combined decades of personal living in the good times and not so good times to provide us with a tool that short cuts years of random searching into a detailed outline giving us a foundation to move forward with knowledge of what is taking place from Genesis to Revelation.
Today’s recap from Ginger Green will draw the hungry heart and seeking soul into an expanding world often gone unnoticed by most. Learn the Bible in 24 hours has a study guide, workbook and videos to start a home study or study within your church. If we claim ignorance or indifference to digging into the Bible, we will find that we are the loser and our lack of discipline may impact ours and others destiny. That should never be the case when such a great resource as this is available to us. Thank you, Chuck, for a life that fought the good fight, finished the race, and shares in the Eternal Glory of our Triune God for all Eternity!!!
“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” Revelation 3:22
Today on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon discuss the difficulties that we face in society every day. Life is hard and challenging even at its best, but the Lord has made a way for us all.
When our goal is to be well pleasing to the Father we are sometimes met with obstacles that obstruct fulfilling the life of an Overcomer. However, the Lord has made a way of escape.
Join in the conversation as we dig into the Scriptures to be enlighten to the way of victory for Overcoming the world.
This week on Sharin’ Hearts: The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green digs into The Prayer Life By Charles Usher.
The question at hand isn’t about how many people prayed daily, but how many people truly understand biblical teaching and perspective on prayer. Because if we are truly serious about spiritual growth, about deepening our relationship with Christ… Prayer must be assigned the highest priority!
So, come be a part as we join author Charles Usher in a discussion of the prayer life and how to live it, with a concentration on spiritual warfare in his book, The Prayer Life. This is a small book perhaps 50 pages yet filled with immense truth and practicality. The topics Usher addresses include: hindrances to prayer, equipment for warfare, the prayer of faith, perseverance in prayer, and prayers for nations, homes, and circumstances; for Scripture tells us to, “watch and pray.”
The Prayer Life by Charles Usher is currently out of print and can be found online only in very limited quantities. If you are unable to locate a copy and are interested in adding The Prayer Life to your library of Christian resources, please contact The Fireside Book Shelf through our home page and we can assist you in obtaining a reprint of this timeless work.
“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.
“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!
So, join in the conversation and find the victory of being an overcomer.
This week on Sharin’ Hearts: The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green grabs a favorite; “When You’re Tired of Treating the Symptoms, and You’re Ready for a Cure, Give Me a Call” by Dr. Henry Brandt. We search for relief from our problems, instead of searching for a cure. Anything that will achieve temporary rest from anger, fear, frustration, unforgiveness, and bitterness. It is a repetitive cycle of survival and we become addicted to the short-term escape.
There is a long-term cure and the first step of “cure” is to SEE your need in the problem, call it what it truly is and ACCEPT the need as your wake-up call for change. The word for this process is repentance; to turn from the old thinking, emotions, and actions. Repentance consists of confession of sin and submission to the authority of Jesus Christ. Because of God’s cleansing grace, healing comes. Learning to see the need and not excusing with some popular modality is a big part of the challenge. Follow Dr. Brandt through the maze of not treating the symptoms, but finding the real cure.
“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 to the needs of others when all is going great in our own life. In the ease of our comfort we can grow disinterested in those heading for hell, we focus on laying up treasures for our retirement and become casual about the consequences of sin in our lives. It is important that we remain diligent in discipline in every stage so that we are continuing in the work of the Lord.
Today we will discuss some fleshly traits blind us and find out how to remain steadfast in our walk so that we don’t fail to redeem the time for the days are evil.
So, join in the conversation as we learn more Lessons from Laodicea.
This week on Sharin’ Hearts:The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green discusses the book Waiting on God by Andrew Murray
Waiting on God is an important part of worship. It is becoming a lost art in our daily lives as our culture tells us we must always be busy; whether in earning a living, serving in a ministry, raising a family to the dictates of our society.
Quietness, in today’s pop thinking, is mainly for the sick, elderly, or seeking solitude just long enough to recharge our batteries to be on the go at breakneck speed.
People complain about being emotionally exhausted, overwhelmed, overworked, overloaded, overstressed, but continue the rat race instead of the stable quiet pace for true rest and renewal. It is our choice no matter how we deny it.
The tragic end of life news blares at us each day about the famous, desperate youth, leaders from every walk of life, saying they have lost purpose and hope for anything more and life is empty.
“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.
“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.
As we celebrate the 4th of July this year it is a good time to reflect on our roots. There is a saying in Christian circles that history broken down spells his-story. How God reveals His means and methods in time, as to how He wants to bring all things back to the original plan before the fall.
America was founded on Biblical and moral Truth; a reason for America’s blessings and survival for the last 200 plus years.
America was never a “perfect” nation but a light and testimony to the world that she honors God and His people (Israel).
A slow, but sure, erosion over time has been eating away at her values and roots. As she has prospered her people have changed their character and choices in how they want to live and be governed.
Now many educators are changing how history is being re-written and remembered. Many of today’s citizens have never been to war, except maybe in riots on our own streets and campuses. They have never had to go through loss and a valley of tears or had a spirit of strength to fight for what they really believe is best for the nation based on our original values. We are a nation that has gone selfish and soft.
Let’s travel with Peter Marshall back in time as he traces the decline of the American Dream and sees what happens when a nation compromises its beginnings and blessings.
“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.
“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.
So we invite you to join in the conversation as discuss how to function as Ambassadors for Christ.
This week Ginger continues to explore the life of David and encourages us to spend some time in the book of Psalms. What a treasure for our hearts to be given a picture of the grace and love given David just as we are called to live a life of holiness and trust in our Father God. Oh, what a sad picture when we choose to go our own way, even if just for a season.
In Psalms we will read the songs David wrote to express his personality and disposition. He was used by God to give us wonderful examples on how to keep our eyes toward heaven. We learn how to see God in the dark times, as well in the times of praise and rejoicing as a guide.
Many Psalms written by David start out in the “pits” of discouragement and despair, but David reaches deep down into his inner being and always finds God there; waiting on David to find hope, security, and reason for going on: IN HIM, his Great Shepherd and friend.
“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.
There may be tears in heaven. When we reflect on how we lived for Christ, we might weep on the other side of the celestial gates. Although Christians have been justified by faith, Christ will still judge us for our “deeds done in the body whether good or bad.” How well or poorly we do here might indeed determine our status in heaven for all eternity.
