The Faithful Church

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


Hebrews 11 looks at a list of lives that reflect the character of faith. Only to be what He wants me to be is the heart of the Philadelphia Church, located in the city of brotherly love.

The Church’s commitment comes from the heart of love because Christ first loved us and gave Himself for us. Let’s investigate what makes up The Faithful Church.

 

Living by the Book

This week on Sharin’ Hearts: The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green explores Living by the Book by Howard and William Hendricks that will help us better examine our hearts by the word of God.


Do you know as much about the Bible for your spiritual growth and security as you do about your job, whether in the workplace of business or in the home caring for family?

Have you succumbed to the current culture of social media to get your quick fix for information?

Can you explain the convictions of your belief system and biblical world view?

Can you defend why and what you believe from the Scriptures and how they are sufficient for all aspects of life?

If you answered yes to these questions, then you have strong character traits of Living By the Book.  If not, then this outline will get you started on the right path if you are willing to be a student of the Word and not just a casual observer.

Most Christians are so earthbound in their thinking and wanting to get “spoon-fed” by others.  They wonder why they do not retain the Truth when they hear it. We need to examine our hearts as to where Jesus Christ is as our first love.  If other projects or people, including self come first, then our being grounded to face the difficult days and to serve as life, light, and love will be hindered.  The result is that we will be damaged and we will damage others as we are all one Body.

Ask the Father to give you His heart for the wisdom to know Him through Living By the Book.

The Language of Friendship


“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.

True Christianity

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

 


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

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

Culture

This week on Sharin’ Hearts: The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green takes a look at Culture by A.W. Tozer


“We who call ourselves Christians are supposed to be a people apart. We claim to have rejected(repudiated) the wisdom of this world, and adopted the wisdom of the cross as the guide of our lives.

We have thrown in our lot with that One who, while He lived on earth was the most unadjusted of the sons of men. He would not be integrated into society. He stood above and condemned it by withdrawing from it even while dying for it. Die for it He would, but surrender to it He would not.”

In his book entitled Culture-Living as Citizens of Heaven on Earth-   A. W. Tozer tells it like it is: to follow Christ toward heaven is to invite trouble in this world.

So come be a part as we examine Culture-a small sampling of Tozer’s writings on what it means to be a Christian in a world that is largely uninterested in Christ. And how as Christians we should live in this world while maintaining our identity as citizens of another.

Grieving and Quenching the Holy Spirit

“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.

Deliverance from Deception of the Mind

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


How often do we struggle with overwhelming circumstances that keep arriving in our lives, unplanned, and upsetting the comforts and security that we still own? It is so easy to blame others for being guilty of creating the stress and strife we fight.

However, we need to turn a pointing finger back to ourselves and question if we are to blame for our own problems to some degree? Many times we justify the role we played in creating the problem and excuse away our actions. It takes a conscience effort to see where we are blind and it all begins in our mind.

Today, we are talking about the mess we have today, knowing that God’s grace is available with the solutions to live and thrive as He has promised: “to make a way of escape that we may be able to bear it.”

So join in the conversation as we focus on Hope in Jesus Christ, to let our eyes be opened, see what needs to be corrected, and find deliverance from deception of the mind.

Deceived by God

Today, Ginger Green opens another chapter into the mysterious and unknown paths that may confront us during the course of running the race here, as she explores Deceived by God by John Feinberg. We find it offers a view from above that can help carry us through when troublesome times appear.


The Word of God is filled with hope, love, a guaranteed future for those that love the Lord and are called by His name.  With countless promises and blessings, seasoned with grace, we want the Bible to  be our constant companion, as it supplies the foundation of our life in Christ.

When all this appears to fail and unthinkable troubles become living realities in our lives and families, how do we  continue to trust in a Holy God? Where do we go when we are on a slippery slope of sinking and cannot provide  comfort or answers to all those in need.

Deceived by God addresses this issue from a man in ministry, sold out to service and loving his God; yet facing the unthinkable.  Though no fault of anyone involved, overwhelmed with pain and sorry, John Feinberg looks at the hard questions of being a believer and not wavering in faith, though tossed about with perplexity.

 

Keeping the Spirit Strong

“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.

 

Deliverance from Deception of the Flesh

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


The Lord knows all matters as He knew the weakness of this church. He announces that His character is complete wisdom, knowledge, and love. If they had ears to hear and applied His character in their lives they would walk in spiritual health.

However, Sardis did not want to listen but wanted to build for themselves a name and trust in their wealth, wisdom, and works as a means of being successful “for the Lord.” They were coming out of the “dark ages” where the Word of God had only been available through a select few.

They needed a Great Deliverance from ignorance of the mind and awakening with all diligence the heart, for out of it spring the issues of life. Then they would live delivered from deception of the flesh.

So join in the conversation as we look at those ways that we too can find deliverance from deception of the flesh.

Forgiving Forward

This week on Sharin’ Hearts: The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green explores Forgiving Forward by Bruce and Toni Hebel. This is not the average “forgiveness” book.  Heavy with experiences made practical and answering questions many are not even asking; makes this a life-transforming book and one that should be in your library.


Forgiveness is foundational to a life of faith.  It is so much more than saying, “I am sorry.”  True forgiveness will take us out of our comfort zone and required a renewing of our minds.  Our natural minds cannot work from logic and reason in this matter because it is a supernatural work provided by The Supernatural God.  We are told to forgive as Christ has forgiven us (Ephesians 4:30.) Whatever has been done to me from another’s sin nature, I have done to Christ with my sin nature.

All sin, no matter the degree required Christ to go to the Cross and pay the price.  The words may be simple but the process is complex in that our hearts must be made right before God with having our speech free of corrupt communication and only for edification to the hearer, being free from grieving or quenching the Spirit and getting rid of bitterness, extreme anger for harm to another person, and other thinking that is of the flesh with corresponding negative emotions. (Ephesians 4:29-31.)

Many often quote John 8:32 “You shall know the Truth and the Truth shall set you free.”  However, there is a key to that reality being applied and that is found in the preceding verse 31, “IF you abide (to be at home)in ME and My words abide in you, THEN, knowing and applying the Truth can be made practical for necessary forgiveness releasing burden and guilt that unforgiveness carries.

Evidence of Self-Denial

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.

 

Come Alive

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


There is a principle in the Scripture that says, “Point of departure – point of return.”

As the letters in Revelation 2 and 3 were circulated to all the churches Sardis needed to remember where the Church had its beginnings and return to the Truths that Jesus Christ gave in these letters.

A few good men lived worthy lives and translated the scriptures into different languages and invented the printing press, but they paid a great price. The Scriptures were then available to the people who had lived in darkness for hundreds of years. We still have the privilege to live in that freedom today.

So join in the conversation as we discuss the church of Sardis and the command to come alive.

The Greatest Thing in the World

This week on Sharin’ Hearts The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green pulls “The Greatest Thing in the World” by Henry Drummond to take a look at Love.

The word LOVE has many different meanings in the Greek and are all translated into English without making a distinction.


EROS: From which we get the word erotic and is never used in the Bible.  It has to do with the love between a man and woman which embraces longing, craving, and desire.  We can love each other without having the ultimate love. Usually has sexual overtones, a need love.

STERGO: is only used 3 times in the New Testament and means love of kindred, especially of parents for children and children or parents.  The love between husband and wife and for others of close kindred. A love of family. Can still be lacking the ultimate love.

PHILEO: mainly denotes the attraction of people to one another who are close together both inside and outside the family.  It is a love of liking, an affection for someone or something that is the outgoing of one’s heart in delight to that which affords pleasure.  It includes concern, care, and hospitality to others and many times is a friendly love between members of the body of Christ.  However, as good as it is, we can still lack the ultimate true love of:

AGAPAO: The noun form is agape. “it is a love called out of a person’s heart by an awakened sense of value in an object which  causes one to prize it.” Love of approbation and esteem. A love that recognizes the worthiness of the object loved. This love is the soul’s sense of value and preciousness of its object. (Wuest)

Join Ginger as she opens our hearts to the wonders of “true love.” Hope it will create in you the hunger to live a life well pleasing.  Agape love is the love the Father desires we all mature in; with nothing lacking. “We love Him because He first loved us.”

Pressure From the Potter’s Hand

“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.

Standing Strong in the Face of Judgment

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


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

We can see the same type of controls being placed on different people from different countries demanding those inhabitants follow the dictates of man-made thinking today.

As these controls become “new laws” for all; Do not be deceived when this way of living is called progress.  It is a self-centered, selfish system from false views of philosophy that depraved souls embrace for their own purpose. Join our conversation to Stand Strong and reap the promise.

Humility

This week on Sharin’ Hearts: The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green pulls Humility by Andrew Murray from the shelf.


One of the best definitions of humility is one by today’s author, Andrew Murray.  This man’s life reflected what he wrote.  He has described HUMILITY as:

“Perfect quietness of heart.  It is to have no trouble, not to be fretted or vexed or irritated or sore or disappointed.”

“It is to expect nothing, to wonder at nothing that is done to me, to feel nothing done against me.  It is to be at  rest when nobody praises me, and when I am  blamed or despised.”

“It is to have a blessed home in the Lord, where I can go in and shut the door, and kneel to my Father in secret and be at peace as in a deep-sea of calmness when all around and above is trouble.  It is the fruit of the Lord Jesus Christ’s redemptive work on Calvary’s Cross, made known in those of His own who are definitely subject to the Holy Spirit.”

This cannot be head knowledge, it must be a life lived in the power of Another, tested and tried on a regular basis, so that it becomes a part of your character and a continual habit. What held true in the day and ministry of Andrew Murray is still as relevant and needed today as in the days of old.

I Am Loved

“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.

Magnify the Almighty Son of God

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


Many times, we decide what we think is best for us and that becomes the standard that we choose to live by, without ever consulting the mind of God. We simply send Him our request in what we want Him to do for us. We may sound spiritual, but it is really childish selfishness in wanting our way for our own goals.

It’s time that we establish the true authority in our lives and let that authority be seen in how we live? Let’s return to the standard that the Word of God sets as He is the only One that knows what is best for our lives here and forever. As a child, we need training, to know how to grow in His Grace and Knowledge.

So join in the conversation as we discuss ways that we can Magnify the Almighty Son of God.

The Seven Checkpoints

The Seven Checkpoints by Andy Stanley and Stuart Hall cover the critical beliefs that our youth question within their belief system. It exposes the world’s point of view that compromise their thinking resulting in actions and lifestyle which set them up for disappointments, confusion, and just plain trouble.


From learning how to establish moral boundaries (how and when sex is a part of their lives) to choosing friends and the consequences, whether good or bad, Seven Checkpoints sets a foundation they can see and accept with clarity.

Having a copy of this book at your fingertips will have you ready to offer solid solutions that are obtainable and supplies a path of guidance for parents and youth leaders wanting to fulfill their role God has given to them.

Victory in Attitude

“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.

Decoys of Deception

“Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.” Colossians 2:8


If there were ever a command to keep your mind on matters that mandate the heavenly calling, it is this verse. The demands of life often keep us focused on the here and now. There’s no doubt that what we do here and now is a part of the Christian walk, and we only do what we know. So it is important that we become grounded in the Source of knowledge; Jesus Christ.

Because of the opposition we face, it can be a battle to keep our hearts and minds guarded against the minds of men.  Using man’s wisdom instead of the Wisdom of God will take us down a path of deception.

So, join in the conversation as we examine what is required to know the fear of the Lord and avoid the decoys of deception.

My Heart – Christ Home

This week on Sharin’ Hearts: The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green proves that big things really do come in small packages. First published in 1951, My Heart – Christ’s Home by Robert Boyd Munger, may be considered a tiny literary work but it is filled with timeless truth.


In John 17, Jesus prayed to His Father, “And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one: I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me.”

I Corinthians 3 says that we are the temple of the Holy Spirit. Grasping this truth is a discipline in the Christian life.

Join in the exploration of this treasured masterpiece as Munger shares his depiction on how to apply scripture to our lives.

Victory Over Circumstances

“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?

Walking in the Spirit

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


Two paths to choose – the Spirit path or the flesh path – one leads to life, and one leads to death. The flesh profits nothing and can sure make our lives miserable. So why do we make decisions that guarantee pain?

In today’s world, we are becoming dull of hearing. We build our own walls of protection that really don’t protect at all but surely separates us from the Spirit; which is our source of strength and points us back to the Lord Jesus Christ.

Let’s tear down the walls that divide and weaken us so that we can KNOW, UNDERSTAND, and DEFEND the freedom we have IN CHRIST. The Holy Spirit is the defender of our walk of faith. He protects us from being deceived by what we see in our worrisome world.

So join in the conversation to be encouraged on walking in the spirit.

9 Must-Have Conversations for a Doubt-Free Wedding Day

This week on Sharin’ Hearts: The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green takes the book “9 Must-Have Conversations for a Doubt-Free Wedding Day” by Gary Thomas and Doctors Steve and Rebecca Wilke and gives us an inside look.


There are a lot of challenges in life but making and keeping a happy marriage is a rare art form.  Less than 1% of marriages worldwide ever make it to the 50 year anniversary.  Expectations for an intimate relationship most of the time are based on desires, personal needs and wants.  When those are not fulfilled the pain and disappointments of living exposes our true character and independent personalities. People are not prepared to preserve and sacrifice for what they once held so dear.

Having the RIGHT premarital counseling can establish the priority of any marriage and set the goals for a couple that will thrive and not just survive in a “me first” society.  Marriage wasn’t created just to make us happy, but to merge two lives into one for the ultimate glory of God.  Helpful hints from this book can make falling in love a life long passion for staying in love.

Examine Your Faith

“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.

Compromise with the World

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


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

So, join in the conversation as we look into how the deterioration occurred when there was compromise with the world.

Peace Perfect Peace

This week on Sharin’ Hearts: The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green takes a look at Peace Perfect Peace by F.B. Meyer and finds that perfect peace comes with a high price tag.  It has been purchased through the Blood of Jesus Christ on the Cross. It cleared us of our helpless position and provides guaranteed hope for now and all eternity. It also gives us the ability to live fruitful conditions within circumstances, while we travel our earthly life, in quiet confidence and joy.


When we are troubled we will cry out for peace which He says He alone gives.  Not as the world gives, which is relief from temporal troubles, happy circumstances, escape patterns for just the here and now.  We pray to desire the world’s mindset and wonder why we don’t have peace. Because peace comes from above and from a PERSON, Jesus Christ.

In John, chapters 14-16 Jesus gives an understanding on how to be nourished in the peace that He gives. Praying for peace within but refusing to rely on the PERSON of PEACE may close the door to the supply we so desperately need and desire.

To have a mindset of wanting peace but not paying the price of loving Jesus with our whole heart, departing from the ways of the world, and resisting the enemy will withhold His peace that He has already provided, freely. It is not a thing we obtain but a Person we trust.

He never said peace would be without tribulations, but peace could still be ours in the tribulation of life.

Open your eyes and ears to true peace as you follow Peace Perfect Peace by F.B. Meyer.

Faith, Facts, Feelings

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.

Promises to Overcomers

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


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

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

So, join in the conversation as we weave through the maze of growing in grace, making our walk and talk be the same in our attitudes and actions, to discover the promises to overcomers.

Heaven (Part Two)

This week on Sharin’ Hearts The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green continues with Part 2 of “Heaven” by Randy Alcorn. It will bring joy to our spirits and rest to our souls as we anticipate our forever together.


  • • Eternal life in the immediate presence of the triune God.
  • • All that diminishes the quality of life on earth will be gone in heaven.
  • • The heights of joy on earth will be eclipsed in heaven.
  • • Failure and its consequences will be a thing of the past.
  • • No more temptations from the world, the flesh, and the devil.
  • • Knowledge will no longer be limited.
  • • The body will no longer suffer from mental, emotional, physical anguish.
  • •Seeing our loved ones, making new relationships and getting acquainted  with those that paved the way before us.

HEAVEN IS BETTER – FAR BETTER – THAN THE BEST EXPERIENCES OF EARTH

Foundation of Faith

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.

Promises from Persecution

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


Today, Janie and Sharon discuss the Lord’s promises we have access to through persecution. These promises do not guarantee there will be NO persecution but by casting all our concerns and needs, no matter how tough, we have the assurance that His caring includes everything we need to survive the persecution and come forth as pure gold.

Should the persecution result in death, then we know as Paul claims, that it is far better to be with the Lord. Usually, the persecution passes and although we may have some battle scars, we are richer in what matters most lasting throughout eternity.

So join in the conversation as we offer further insight into the specifics of successful suffering and the promises from persecution.

Heaven (Part One)

This week on Sharin’ Hearts The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green begins to share insight into “Heaven” by Randy Alcorn.


Most of us believe there is an afterlife.  Even if the body returns to dust for an unknown period of time, we do live on; but where?  Luke 16 gives a description of one who chose to live for himself here on earth, and after dying, tells a grim story for those who reject the way of Life in Jesus Christ. In that same chapter, there is a great insight for those that trust, no matter difficult life was while walking on earth. Many that are confident in their home going to Heaven still have questions about facts of their future.

  • How do we Gain Entrance into Heaven?
  • Is Heaven a Place or a State of Mind?
  • Will We Know One Another in Heaven?
  • What Will Our Resurrection Bodies Be Like?
  • What Will We Do in Heaven?
  • What are the Mansions like that Await Us?
  • Who Will Receive Rewards in Heaven?

And so many more questions.  The Word is very specific on some issues and gives glimpses into other matters that cause us to need to know the Word and accept, by faith, our Heavenly Father when “unknowns” to us still exist.

Heaven by Randy Alcorn, define answers that bring great peace and comfort to those that want the “real deal”.

Bridging the Gap

“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.

Our Calling to Suffer

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


The Lord told us that most of the sufferings we would pass through are allowed to develop our character.  He wants us to understand what is most important for our well-being in light of eternity. We allow hard times for our children to train them to be successful in this world.

We let them struggle so that they know how to make decisions and overcome obstacles. The challenges develop character and strengthen their confidence, but at the time of the struggle they may not understand.

When we apply that concept to our spiritual walk with Father God, it will be a comfort to know that God is training us in character and discipline for our eternal future. We see many examples in the scriptures of men and women whose suffering was beneficial to their lives.

So, join in the conversation as we review the lives of those who suffered before us and see the benefit in our calling to suffer.

A Christian Manifesto

This week on Sharin’ Hearts: The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green pulls “A Christian Manifesto” by Francis Schaeffer from the shelf to examine.


Most of the Christian world of today know little or nothing of a biblical world view regarding life.  We may know scripture or have a sincere desire to serve the Lord; however, we lack an understanding of how to view life through biblical eyes. For this biblical world view, we need to use the word of God to define our decisions and actions regarding circumstances, situation, relationships, and choices that need to be made each day of our lives.

A Christian Manifesto is not an easy book to assimilate into the fabric of one’s daily walk.  It is a book that is worth making a commitment to read and understand the erosion in our world culture.

Christians have been slow to see the decay of values.  This is mainly due to our dividing between our “spiritual” and the “material” worlds.  True reality is the Lordship of Jesus Christ in every area of life.

What it is to know the True and Living God in a practical way; opening our minds, strengthening our convictions and consciences to impact ourselves and those around us.

A Famine in the Land

“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.

Overcoming Adversity

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


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

We don’t choose the time in history when we are to live on earth and Jesus knew these dear souls would need special insight for the different seasons of suffering they were facing.

History repeats itself. Are we ready to heed these same words in the upcoming days of unknowns? As decisions are made that threaten our future, do we know our God and can sing “I know whatever befall me, Jesus doeth all things well”

So join in the conversation as we find encouragement in overcoming adversity.

You Gotta Keep Dancin’

“But none of these things move me, nor do I count my life dear to myself, so  that I may finish my race with joy, and the ministry which I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God” Acts 20:24


For those whose lives are hit with a crisis that turns into a lifestyle, this verse should be what we keep before us at all times. The goal is to accept what we may not be able to change, whether it is only for a season or extends for a lifetime.

Pain does have purpose, but most of the time our first priority is to get out of pain. We may search the many different options afforded us to find a relief from pain; sometimes to no avail.  Pain should not stop us, only reorient our hearts with Heaven, our eternal home.

If pain comes and makes a home in your body and soul, then we need to reflect on God’s  Plan:

  • God has a PURPOSE, He never moves without purpose or plan.
  • God has the PERSPECTIVE, He sees things from the perspective of eternity.
  • God has a PROGRAM, says suffering is part of the plan and not to be avoided.

So come be a part as Ginger explores You Gotta Keep Dancin’ by Tim Hansel

Looking in a Mirror

“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.

The Point of Return

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


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

That is not the answer, but there is a solution for returning to your first love in living.

So, join in the conversation to discover the solution that is available to anyone in need and find the point of return.

Why Pro-Life?

Today we tackle the issue of sanctity of human life.  Immediately the scripture found in Psalms 139 sets out the  foundation for how and when we come into life.  “For you formed my inward parts; You covered me in my mother’s womb. I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul  knows very well.  My frame was not hidden from you, When I was made in secret, And skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth. Your eyes saw my substance being yet unformed. And in Your book they all were written.  The days fashioned for me, When as yet there were none of them”.


Seeing how we were planned in the mind of God as being “formed ” by His doing, we can then turn to 1 Corinthians 6:19-20: “ Do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own?  For your were bought with  a price; therefore, glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s”.

Based on only these two scripture passages, we have outlined for us the wrong of abortion. Hearing the stories of lives destroyed because they were convinced that they owned their own  bodies and can do with them as they please, sets up individuals, as well as a nation, to stand in the presence of God in disobedience and unbelief of the Truth; with consequences.

Christ’s Character

“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.

Christ’s Love Toward Us

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


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

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

Join in the conversation as we discuss the Protection Plan with side benefits for all that are willing to qualify as OVERCOMERS and Christ’s Love toward us. Let’s Talk!

The Way of the Cross

When small moments of time are all you have to call your own, this book, written in concise short chapters, is perfect. Today, Ginger explores The Way of the Cross by J. Gregory Mantle.


This book discusses one of the most crucial principles of the Christian life that we rarely find being talked about in today’s Christian circles.

Mantle digs into the heart of the church and seeks to pull out the root of sin. This small book is packed with nutrients that feeds a hungry saint in search for a closer walk.

Ginger recommends that we use this book as a devotion for a month to help us grow in our relationship with the Lord.

Examine Ourselves

“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?

First Love

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and great commandment” Matthew 22:37.


These words that Jesus said in Matthew 22:37, shows the importance of loving the Lord first. Jesus warns us, in other areas of the scriptures,  to not let our love for Him grow cold. And then, in Revelation 2, He chastises the church at Ephesus because they had left their first love.

Today, we are unpacking some dangers and consequences of leaving our first love.

So, join in the conversation to establish a solid walk in our first love.

 

Adjust or Self-destruct

“For what I am doing, I do not understand. For what I will to do, that I do not practice; but what I hate, that I do” Romans 7:15


How often have you said the very words Paul expresses here in Romans? How often have you felt the frustration of trying without succeeding? How often have you meant to please the Savior, only to fail utterly? How can you escape these feelings of guilt and sometimes even despair?

In Adjust or Self Destruct, author Craig Massey describes and illustrates these struggles in terms of the old and new natures that the Bible speaks about; particularly in Romans Chapter Seven. He discusses the titles the Bible uses for the two natures, the effect each nature often has on the Believer, the effect each nature should have on the Believer, and ways to mature towards Christ-likeness.

This book is for the Christian; new or old, young or mature, who, in seeking to live a Christ-like-life, feels as though they may self-destruct at any moment in the vague struggle of trying and feeling guilty. Adjustment is imperative, but above all, it is God who gives the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

So come be a part as we join Craig Massey in the study of the Believer’s two natures.