Culture Invades the Church

“Go you into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” Mark 16:15

This week on Mentoring Matters, Janie and Sharon discuss how the world’s culture has invaded the church.
We have become comfortable with simply inviting people to church so they can hear the gospel rather than being responsible to share the gospel ourselves. In the conversation we discuss the reasons why we have become afraid to share in the marketplace.

As you listen, look for ways that fear may dictate how you speak to others and the compromise it may be causing in your Christian walk. Examine your foundation to find where you can be strengthened in Christ. Using God’s word to apply Biblical principles, position, instruction, and conformation of Biblical truth and develop Biblical-based beliefs.

Grasping God’s Grace

“The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus” 1 Timothy 13-14

 

 

In every letter Paul wrote in the New Testament, he begins with a salutation of grace and peace to you. He was given the ministry of the gospel of grace to the gentiles; that grace is extended to all; God shows no personal favoritism to any man woman boy or girl.
The scriptures say that it is by grace we are saved through faith and that not of yourself, it is a gift of God. This gift of grace seems to be a mystery that most Christians struggle with understanding or even having perspective of today.
So join in the conversation as we explore the abundant blessing that comes with grasping God’s grace.

 

Pause for the Cause

 

“You are God’s building…Jesus Christ is the foundation…take heed how you build on it…you are the temple of God and the Spirit of God dwells in you” 1 Corinthians 3:9-16.

Knowing that we are God’s temple and Jesus is our foundation on which all things in our life are built, to take heed means that we are watchful, careful, and prayerful in what we allow to be added to our character development.
Sometimes the good of life can rob us of the best life which comes through the valley of suffering, the fire of trials, and the pain of difficulties.
So as we grow, build, mature; take heed to pause for the cause of prayer, for the cause of growth, for the cause of Christ, to be a wise master builder according to the grace of God.

The Gospel of God’s Grace

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

 

 

This one statement, 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 Grace.

A Seasoned Saint

 

“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.

Our Heart Christ’s Home

“I bow my knees to the Father…that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith” Eph. 14-17.

Robert Boyd Munger wrote a timeless work in 1951 titled, My Heart Christ’s Home that explores Christ dwelling in our heart. It begins with answering the knock at the door of our hearts, inviting Christ to stay, and traveling through how we respond to Jesus being in every room of our life.

This is a story of Christian growth, but it can be stifled if we refuse Christ’s presence and work in each room of our heart. So, join in the conversation as we determine to make our heart Christ’s home.

Purpose Our Heart

“And this is eternal life, that they may know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent” John 17:3

With all the chaos going on in the world today, many in the Church have become anxious to fix everything that has gone wrong and make sense out of sin.

We can’t fix sin; Jesus made a way of escape from sin at the cross, we are no longer bound by sin (Rom. 8). At the cross, we were crucified with Christ, so we no longer have to obey our fleshly desires (Rom. 6). And, at the cross Jesus defeated death (Rom. 6). In anxiety we nullify the work of the cross in our testimony to others.

We are called to know Him and to be conformed to the image of Christ (Rom. 8:29). But to know someone requires spending time with them. So, let’s lay all other things aside and purpose in our heart to know Christ and conform to His image so others might know Him by our testimony.

Put On the New

“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new” 2 Cor. 5:17

 

 

Learning to walk as new creatures in Christ is a process; the old things have truly passed away. But, out of habit, we can grab up those old things and wear them as a robe even though they are really not our true identity.

So we invite you to join in the conversations as we uncover practical ways to put off the old and put on the new.  

 

Seek the Lord

 

“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

Pursuing Spiritual Growth

“Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby” 1 Peter 2:1-2.

These verses in First Peter express a choice that needs to be made. To lay aside requires a decision to make a conscious effort to put those old ways down to have the new, more excellent things.

Desiring the Word is opting for a better life through spiritual growth that comes from feeding on that Word of God.

Today we are discussing some of the stumbling blocks that prevent us from growing to maturity.

So we invite you to join in the conversation as we discover how to Pursue Spiritual Growth.

Living Among the Tares

“First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn” Matthew 13:30

According to this parable, believers and unbelievers will be rooted side by side; serving, singing, and even teaching in the church. We don’t know those who are genuinely searching to know Christ from the pretenders who are really there to destroy.

There are little subtle signs that say the heart is not right, but we cannot truly know their heart. The Lord knows and we are warned that we will be living among them, so it is important that we have the discernment to live among the tares without being destroyed by them.

Today, we are encouraging believers to open their eyes to the truth of scripture so they will not be deceived as they live among the tares.

Promote Spiritual Growth

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

 

 

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

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

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

Wheat and Tares

 

“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.

Our True Identity

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

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

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

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

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

How Great is God

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting”  Psalm 139:23-24.

David doesn’t see God as a historical figure or a distant entity, he knows Him as his creator who formed him in his mother’s womb. There’s no place he can go that God is not there, no thought he can think that God does not know.

David is asking God, in Psalm 139, to expose anything that is in his heart that he can’t see. He doesn’t want anything to rob him of the sweet fellowship that he has with his Lord.

We must recognize our need to ask this same question; that the Lord would expose anything that would contaminate our relationship and some things only the Lord can see hidden deep in our heart.

Mentoring the Next Generation

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

 

 

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

Garbage Removal

 

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.  

  

Time in the Shepherd’s Field

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul” Psalm 23:1-3.

 

 

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

Identifying the Root Problem

 

“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.

Psalm 23

“The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake” Psalm 23:1-3.

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

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

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

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

The Old to Young

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.

Alone with God

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

 

 

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

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

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

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

The Root of Anger

“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.

Freedom From Busyness

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

 

 

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

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

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

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

The Danger of Anger

 

“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

 

Blind in Busyness

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

 

 

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

Anger to Apathy

 

“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.

 

 

A Lifestyle of Busyness

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

 

 

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

Anger without Sin

“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.

Joy in Adversity

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

 

 

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

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

From Anxiety to Peace

 “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. 

Joy of Unity

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

 

 

One of the best descriptions of Joy is:

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

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

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

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

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

Fear and Anxiety

“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. 

  

The Attitude of Joy

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

 

 

Attitudes are the foundation on which our actions are built.

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

Anxious For Nothing

“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. 

The Joy of the Lord

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

 

 

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

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

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

Steps To Maturity

 

“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. 

Preparing for the Storm

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

 

 

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

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

Complete in Him

“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. 

In the Midst of the Storm

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

 

 

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

Complete in Godliness

“That Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height – to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God” Eph. 3:17-19

 

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Mentoring Matters, Janie and Sharon discuss the gift of being complete in Christ; with all godliness and love. Recognizing our position in Christ, being students of the Word, and committing quiet, still, alone time with Father God are vital for spiritual growth.

Many times we don’t grow because we are comfortable with where we are, but taking the time to “shop” the scriptures for something new will deepen our relationship with God and strengthen our daily walk with Him.

Peace from Prison Pt. 3

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

 

 

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

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

Christ’s Character

 

“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.

Peace From Prison Pt. 2

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

 

 

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

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

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

Sufficient Truth of Scripture

“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

The Method of Preparation

“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.  

Peace From Prison Pt. 1

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

 

 

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

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

 

Characteristics of the Conscience

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

 

 

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

 

God’s Purpose for Me

 “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.       

The Challenge of Conversation

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

 

 

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

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