Category: Podcasts

Podcasts Woman to Woman

On the Road To Emmaus

“Why are you troubled? And why do doubts arise in your hearts?” Luke 24:38

 

 

As followers of the Lord Jesus and trusting Him, we find our faith can be tested
and even perplexed at times with uncertainly. The Lord knows these times will
occur and gave us an example of His caring for two of his learners after
experiencing the death and burial of their King. What had gone wrong?
Walk with us today as we talk the wonders of how God is always willing and
wanting us to see the larger picture of His master plan. It is not always plain and
simple from our viewpoint. A true account of knowing why the resurrected life of
Jesus Christ is essential in our living here and now.

Mentoring Matters Podcasts

Beliefs Revealed

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

“Believe In your heart that God has raised Him (Jesus) from the dead and you will be saved.” Romans 10:9

 

Beliefs are vital to a person in establishing who they are and this passage is
dealing with the belief of WHO God is. We have blended our beliefs with the
cultural and secular world mixing percepts and concepts that will never work
together. It is like oil and water. Oil is lighter and floats to the top. Likewise, we
enjoy the light and easy ways of blended thinking, rather than searching out what
is really necessary for godly living
Today we examine how to aright what is wrong in our thinking so in everything
we do we may be pleasing in God’s sight. For the person still searching find the
foundation that offers a solid and fixed way of understanding.

Podcasts Woman to Woman

Walk in Victory

“Knowing this, that our old man was crucified with HIM” and likewise, you also, reckon
yourselves to be dead indeed to sin.” Romans 6: 6-11

 

 

There is a marvelous guide in knowing how to walk step by step in Romans 6. We will peel back the principles of our position that can show us how to walk in victory. It is easy to know, but hard to “grow.” Self will keep on sinning if we keep on offending. Don’t waste your sorrows!

Mentoring Matters Podcasts

Purpose of Heart

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

“The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them
out.” Proverbs 20:5

 

We know out of the heart proceed all the issues of life, but how does that relate to a heart purpose? Does the heart plan on good or evil? What influences the heart in revealing what is the priority on which the heart thinks? In the physical world a heart not working right brings trouble to all the body and a heart out of balance will also trouble our mind, will, and emotions. Take time out today to consider matters of the heart.

Podcasts Woman to Woman

Exercising of Faith

“But 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

 

 

We are given natural senses at birth and they can be the gates where we allow
the world to invade our inner person. What we see, hear, feel, touch, and smell
influence who we are. Likewise, we are also given spiritual senses that are used
properly to affect our ability to discern and walk by faith.
Learn how people who walked by sight discovered how to discern the difference
between facts and feelings forming lives that are governed by faith.

Mentoring Matters Podcasts

Tearing Down Defenses

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

“All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirits.” Proverbs 16:2

 

We think we have our lives under control from our perspective and need no other
help. A few bumps here and there, coping but never soaring, and often wanting to
hibernate to escape living with everyday life.
Whether it is relationships of being ignored, hassled, or living with the results of
our own poor choices, we find a way to survive. We keep everything on the
surface but never dig down to the root of the problem.
Today we acquaint ourselves with some less obvious defenses while hoping to
find a place to land that brings peace. There is a solution!

Podcasts Woman to Woman

By Faith Not Sight

“Thomas, believe because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” John 20:29

 

 

Is what is really real only what you can see and feel? If we are told to walk by
faith, how do we have our eyes open to “see” the unseen as real as the seen? Can
my head knowledge be enough or does seeing include the heart?
These questions lead to an interesting conversation on what is entailed in our
lives to encourage us to learn the “faith walk.

Mentoring Matters Podcasts

Recognizing Defenses

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

“We are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us, we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God.” 11 Corinthians 5:20

 

When you meet someone there is usually an introduction of your name and then
something about what you do. It takes a name to make what you do important.
Telling someone what you do without a name is incomplete to our identity.
Likewise, part of our identity as members of God’s family is our being an
ambassador to showing people what the family of God should look like in today’s
world.
Many times, we are displaying bad “identity” because we are attempting to make
self look good rather than reflecting our identity of being IN CHRIST. Who we are
reflects what we do. How important is this in our understanding about living?

Podcasts Woman to Woman

Walking by Faith

“Without faith, it is impossible to please God.” Hebrews 11:6

 

 

There are a lot of opinions of what real faith is and how it works. Hebrews 11:1 states, “that faith is the substance of things hope for the evidence of things not seen.”
With our advance visual devices and media exposure, we want to see everything and if we look for the unseen, the goal is usually not to explore deepening our faith.
Join our discussion today to gain understanding, God’s way, to “see the unseen.”

 

Mentoring Matters Podcasts

Self Defense Mechanisms

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

“The spirit of a man will be his support and sustain him when he is
ill, but a broken and crushed spirit, who can bear.” Proverbs 18:14

 

How do you handle and react to frustration and troubling conflicts? Some explode,
some turn their backs and ignore the hurt and pain, others carry it inside and have
unusual Defense Mechanisms that are hard to recognize.
When we want to be strong in spirit we must be pure in heart. Learning to observe
what sounds good maybe a cover for a heart that is coping and not really caring.
Don’t get trapped in Defense Mechanisms that substitute reality in relationships.
We have been given The Great Escape. Use it!!

Podcasts Woman to Woman

A New Creature in Christ

“Do not be deceived; God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap.” Galatians 6:7

 

 

Hearing, knowing, and applying what the Word says regarding our blessings and protection as new creatures in Christ will prevent us from falling into the same trap as Eve did in the Garden of Eden.When she listened to the voice of smooth deception, she set herself up for reaping what she chose. The results of her wanting more for herself proved the heart was deceitfully wicked and who can know it? Only as we listen to the voice of the Lord Jesus expressed in the Bible can we stay clear of the AGONY of deception. Listen as we discuss the Truth in being a new creature in Christ and avoid the pitfalls of bad choices.

Mentoring Matters Podcasts

Repression

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

“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay
aside every weight and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with the endurance the race that is set before us.” Hebrews 12:1

 

The importance laid out here is that we need to see how those who have gone before lived and overcame the snares of self. If we go against the patterns of freedom provided by our Savior we can hold onto strongholds, repress reality, but eventually will explode, making a mess for ourselves and those around us. Clean-up of these defenses is messy. Are you building steam for an explosion?

Podcasts Woman to Woman

How to Pray

“For the Word of God is sharper than any two-edged sword dividing between soul and
spirit.” Hebrews 4: 12

 

 

When the disciples wanted to know HOW TO PRAY they had to retrain the brain in how they understood the words of Jesus. Knowing what He said and why He said them required a heart adjustment. Today, we look to the Words of Jesus for deeper insights into a guiding light that defines HOW TO PRAY.

Mentoring Matters Podcasts

Denial and Rationalization

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

“Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be healthy to
your flesh, and strength to your bones.” Proverbs 3:7-8

Denial and Rationalization are two defenses we run to when we believe our own wisdom is the best choice for making decisions. This may not be a deliberate but a place to run to in need to survive and not wanting to work through the difficult disciplines required for change. When scripture is lacking in our life, one of the natural fallbacks is into a pattern of denial and rationalization.
You may be rather surprised as you listen to the comfort zone of unbelief!

Podcasts Woman to Woman

The Heart of Prayer

“For the thing I greatly feared has come up me, and what I dreaded has happened to me.” Job 3:25

 

 

Do you pray according to the mind of God? Job certainly thought he did. Then, trauma and tragedy hit suddenly with intensity, and he worshiped. In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong. That was only the beginning of sorrows. How did Job pray when fear and dread lingered and friends became  the enemy. How was his heart tested?

Delayed answers to prayer can expose hidden weakness not revealed except under intense testing. Job praying in anguish cries out from the heart about his loss.

Let’s go back in time and hear Job’s questions and the way God chose to answer.  Was his final outcome worth the trial?

Mentoring Matters Podcasts

Christian Psychology

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

“The wisdom of the prudent (sensible) is to understand his way but the folly (foolishness) of fools is deceit.” Proverbs 14:8

Christianity has cracked the door open to ways of the world becoming acceptable in the life of the Church, and we don’t even recognize the tangle web that has been woven into our thinking.

Rather than accepting the fact that we are called to lay down our lives for others in service and caring from a heart of sacrificial love, we protect ourselves from having to bear one another’s pain. We don’t know how to help others  carry the load that plague the soul and spirit. We are great on helping in the physical needs and we are thankful for that blessing. However, we are body, soul, and spirit. All three parts need to be growing and healthy.

Heavenly wisdom give us understanding in tearing down our walls of defense, as we allow the Spirit to make  the heart  of Christ real in our lives.

 

 

Podcasts Woman to Woman

Pray Boldly

“Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ.”  Colossians 3:2

 

 

As we put on the full armor of God according to Ephesians 6 our prayers are answered as we pray boldly. Boldly praying includes being earnest in knowing what is needed, making sure we are vigilant in request with thanksgiving, and never forgetting that the heart must be in tune with all issues requiring praying with boldness. 

 One goal in boldly praying is that doors will be kept open as pressures mount from within and conflicts surround us. Today we discuss the command to know how to pray and the necessary diligence needed to continue in prayer, boldly by faith, for the harvest is ripe, but the workers are few. 

Mentoring Matters Podcasts

Psychology and Theology

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

 “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your heart to the Lord.” Colossians 3:16

Dwelling on the Scripture as our priority will help protect our hearts from false thinking of Psychology. Our soul/spirits will be renewed and refreshed as we sing spiritual songs to one another through worship in music which supports our foundation from Theology. 

 Man cannot fix man no matter how many behavior patterns are applied with different techniques. It is vital that we understand the real reason for failure in finding contentment through man’s agenda.  We are designed by our Creator to know Truth, live Truth, with a joyous heart making melody from within. 

Be still for a few moments as we investigate Truth that transforms.

Podcasts Woman to Woman

Simplicity of Diverse Prayer

“I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers, intercession and giving of thanks be made for all men” I Timothy 2:1

 

 

This exhortation was made by Paul to Timothy for encouraging him to have the flock pray in public worship.  That is very hard for some people but there was a need for knowing and bearing the burdens of others, listening to heart needs that may be difficult to discuss but easier for others to hear our hearts on their behalf. With a desire to open your heart to blessing others it gives confidence that they are being remembered before God when maybe they “just can’t pray right now, too overwhelmed.  When  Jesus talked to His Father in prayer He made a specific requests submitting all to the Father’s perfect will.  Let us not grow weary in well-doing and do not allow lies to place fears in us to hinder the flow of heavenly answers for earthly problems.

Mentoring Matters Podcasts

Modern Psychology

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

“For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.” 2 Timothy 4:3-4

Modern psychology is the perfect substitute for god playing in our lives with our own intellect and reasoning. There are many different facets that mar our thinking and some are so “reasonable” the modern-day church accepts and even endorses them.

The church family – The Body of Christ is the only source of light in the darkness of human reasoning and logic.

One positive note is that even with self-consciousness within weak or carnal Christians there are “pockets” of believers that are standing strong, growing, and ministering to others who are in need. For others;

Some are just too busy to  get involved with helping someone with their entrapment of worldly values

Some are too ignorant of God’s word and unable to assist in helping to set free people in bondage

Some want to help but don’t know-how and fear keeps them silent

Some are being a witness to the Life of Christ within us – Where are you in this line-up?

Podcasts Woman to Woman

The Simplicity of Prayer

“So let us come boldly to the very throne of God and stay there to receive his mercy and to find grace to help us in our times of need.” Hebrews 4:16

 

 

To have the freedom to come boldly before the Throne does require being prepared to enter into that room or area. Remember Esther of the Old Testament, where she spent months preparing to go before her king, who was also her lawful husband. We likewise want to make sure our hearts are right so that our prayer, petitions, intercessions may be answered.

Prayer can be super simple in a very young child offering up prayers and petitions only knowing it as “talking to Jesus and God.” Whether we want to believe it or not, nothing happens from the heart and mind of God unless it begins with someone in prayer.

Explore with us the wonderful privilege and responsibility of being able to “talk with God.”

Mentoring Matters Podcasts

Psychology

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“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

What is a simple definition of secular Psychology? A study of the natural, our natures, how they function, and how to fix what is wrong.  Sounds like a good idea except they want to solve all our problems with man’s solutions. The thought of seeking the God of Creation according to them is not rational or reasonable. Why, because we are smarter and have done away with those superstitions and myths about God. We are our own god and can make those decisions for ourselves, man can fix man. (no he can’t)

Grab pencil and paper to jot down a few ideas that are keeping us in turmoil and trauma in how modern psychology has crept into our church lives.  Know the facts as history describes and then see the pattern that leads us down the path of failure.  Do Christians have another option and can we mix secular psychology with a Biblical worldview? The answers may surprise you.

Podcasts Woman to Woman

Love Never Fails

“Your strong love for each other will prove to the world that you are my disciples.” John 13:35

 

 

We don’t learn love through a textbook, evaluating how the bones are growing longer and stronger, or how we are getting smarter, but the process is happening all the time.  The Father says He has given us His love through His Son. He is love, not just that He has love. 

His love in us cannot fail, but we can fail when we use our intellect to learn His love. As we grow through our failures His sufficiency holds and teaches. Let’s unravel what we need for a life in love that never fails. 

Mentoring Matters Podcasts

Tools of Vain Philosophy

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“Don’t let others spoil your faith and joy with their philosophies, their wrong and shallow answers built on men’s thought and ideas, instead of on what Christ has said. For in Christ there is all of God in a human body; so you have everything when you know Christ and you are filled with God through your union with Christ. He is the highest Ruler, with authority over every other power.” Colossians 2: 8-9

 

So what is the purpose of a Christian in these hard times? We talk about changing our troubled culture, but most do not have any idea  – how to and what to change.

As Christians, we are to know and understand the blindness and how we got these cultural views. We are to understand and explain to blinded hearts and minds how our lives are making choices that dethrone God Almighty. We cannot allow our faith and joy to bring us down into negativity, depression, and us questioning; How Then Should We Live.”

As we reflect on man’s attempt to bring about a social society that resolves all man’s problems, let’s search for the real answers that are found in God alone.

Podcasts Woman to Woman

Subtleties of Evil Thinking

I Corinthians 13: 5b “Love thinks no evil:

The “normal way of thinking about evil is that it is violent, demonic, wicked, and as a Christian, I am simply not in that category. What we fail to accept and realize is that evil can be anything that is not of Christ’s definition.

Our priorities that promote self-indulgence, complacency, our will, needing to be vindicated, being overly sensitive, even going so far as selfish prayers and sorrows can become an enemy of what God calls evil.  This can be rather shocking to our thinking and nervous system.

Hebrews 4:7 “TODAY if you will hear His voice, DO Not harden your hearts.” If we ever want peace in this world and find rest for our souls, we have better learn what The Scriptures call evil and do not compromise our thinking. It is time to explore the subtleties of evil and examine our hearts “to see if there is any wicked way in me. “

Mentoring Matters Podcasts

Spiritual Greatness

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

2 Corinthians 12:9-10 “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.

One of the beliefs we entertain and promote is the religious lie that to be spiritual and useful in our walk with the Lord as believers, we must be spiritual giants. The greater the gifts, the more powerful the preaching and teaching, the more popular and well known our own ministry qualifies us as Christians living with a 4-star approval rating. RUBBISH!

Our Bible is filled with calling our attention to: daily dying to self, decreasing in the importance of “MY” ministry, being willing to suffer, and allowing Christ and His character to take center stage in every aspect of our lives.

Settle back in quietly waiting on the Lord for His mind as we look at how God is shaping us into His image through ways that differ from the popular belief that “Bigger is always Better.”

Podcasts Woman to Woman

Love Is Not Provoked

“They angered God also at the waters of strife, so that it went ill with Moses on account of them: Because they provoked God’s Spirit, so that Moses spoke rashly with his lips.” Psalms 106: 32-34

 

 

How many of us have experience:

The Blame Game, “its your fault”, “You made me so mad”

”You hurt my feelings or you don’t meet my needs”

Have these thoughts ever cross your mind and you used the silent treatment to make someone feel guilty?” How about lashing out in a verbal frenzy assuring the other person they are wrong.  Sounds crazy but many do this?

As we accuse one another do those same pitiful arguments go back to our God for His “mistreatment” of us?

Living lies is the surest way to the door of misery, anger, anxiety and blinding us to the Truth.

Is it a lie that we must earn God’s love? Is it ok to get impatient with God’s timing on how He is working in other lives?”

Come investigate how we accept lies to avoid pain and suffering. Learn how we are bombarded daily with lies to keep us under the control of the enemy. Don’t let lies believed as truth affect you as if they were true, even though they are LIES.”

Mentoring Matters Podcasts

Lies in Relationships

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

 “Do not lie one to another since you have put off the old man with his deeds.” Colossians 3:9

How many of us have experience:

The Blame Game, “its your fault”, “You made me so mad”

”You hurt my feelings or you don’t meet my needs”

Have these thoughts ever cross your mind and you used the silent treatment to make someone feel guilty?” How about lashing out in a verbal frenzy assuring the other person they are wrong.  Sounds crazy but many do this?

As we accuse one another do those same pitiful arguments go back to our God for His “mistreatment” of us? Living lies is the surest way to the door of misery, anger, anxiety and blinding us to the Truth.

Is it a lie that we must earn God’s love? Is it ok to get impatient with God’s timing on how He is working in other lives?”

Come investigate how we accept lies to avoid pain and suffering. Learn how we are bombarded daily with lies to keep us under the control of the enemy. Don’t let lies believed as truth affect you as if they were true, even though they are LIES.”

 

Podcasts Woman to Woman

Violations of Gods Love

“love does not brag or parade itself, is not puffed up.” I Corinthians 13: 4

 

 

The root meaning of brag or parade itself is WIND BAG – a lot of hot air. Ouch, then how to you build up someone else or speak of the wonderful works in ones life that do not come across as bragging? Pride can easily puff us up. Telling the Truth with one another becomes imperative as we live in days on confusion, isolation, and just no knowing what is real truth and what is “truth”, based on someone’s opinion or agenda.

Be ready to open your door to inner attitudes of violating God’s expression of True Love and how to build up one another and not puff up ego, when many are needing encouragement in these difficult days.

Mentoring Matters Podcasts

Secular Lies

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

“Do not lie to each other. You have left your old sinful life and the things you did before.” Colossians 3:9

Biblical meaning of a lie: To practice deceit, falsehood, and treachery either by word or action. It is the exact opposite of truth. The sanctity of truth is fundamental in biblical teaching since it is based on the nature and character of God. Therefore, to despise truth is to despise God, and the Scriptures treat this topic with profound seriousness.

“A LIE BELIEVED AS TRUTH WILL AFFECT YOUR LIFE AS TRUTH EVEN THOUGH IT IS A LIE.”

Some in Secular Society will give you a half truth – misguided facts – still a lie

Some in relationships will color the “facts” so not to anger or offend – still lies

Some will pass on “information” that is not checked out and pass it on as truth – still a lie

Some cannot stand the light of Truth – so will speak from a heart of darkness – filled with lies.

 

The Bible says Satan is the Father of Lies. There are many avenues where a person can tell “lies” and believe no harm will happen. Look deep into your heart today as we discuss the “lies of the world” that are not limited to those outside of Christianity but find our old sinful lifestyle still “living a lie.”

Podcasts Woman to Woman

Love in Action

“Love suffers long and is kind; love does not envy, love does not parade itself, is not puffed up.” I Corinthians 13: 4

 

 

We tackle what real love looks like as we see the lack of love  exhibited in envy, arrogant bragging – being a hot windbag, and  , being puffed up.

“We all stumble in many things” James 3:2. Stumbling should not become a habit or lifestyle. We “bear, believe, hope and endure” all things when one falters, showing longsuffering and kindness. God’s love is the only love that can change people’s lives forever.

Let’s explore the Word together as we discuss how true love will mold, melt, fill and use  us as lights in reflecting His love.

Mentoring Matters Podcasts

Goals of Secular Humanism

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

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

What comprises vain philosophy and empty deceit? At the entry level is Humanism – traditions having  basic concepts that make man a law unto himself.  He can solve all problems and there is no need of God.

We are not sure just how this is working. Tune in and help evaluate the goals for “good” through Humanism.

Podcasts Woman to Woman

Steps to Forgiveness

Psalms 32:5  “I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up in iniquity. I said: “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord” and you forgave the guilt of my sin.”

 

 

Forgiveness is not an easy subject to discuss, but if we ever want to live in freedom there must be forgiveness. Forgiveness from the Father was necessary to pay for and remove our guilt. This allows us to then forgive one another. But freedom was not free – there was a price to be paid. Father God and Jesus

Christ with the Spirit secured that freedom, once for all on the Cross.

Now, we are commanded to follow through in living in that forgiveness, forgiving others. This is not a feeling choice, but a heart willful decision.

Then why is it so hard to forgive? In a word, PRIDE. We want to bring about justice in our way.

We share today the consequences of failing to forgive and how to move forward with total forgiveness.

Mentoring Matters Podcasts

Secular Humanism

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

Proverbs 9:10, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. And knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.”

Our world in general has lost or denied the fear of the Lord. Without that wisdom, we are opened to man’s wisdom and the most common definition is “Humanism: faith in man, in science, in education.” Man will use reason, not divine revelation, as the guide for moral action and education; resulting in deception…

Trusting in man is seen in many practical examples. Many Christians buy into humanistic thinking and have weakened their moral fiber, allowing a double standard within the Body of Christ, the true church.

We are digging into how this has crept into believer’s lives. Many sincere Christians are not wanting to follow after strange doctrine or are in known rebellion in their walk with the Lord. Nevertheless, denial of Truth is running at an all-time high.

Today, we attempt to expose lies believed as truth, thinking we are growing in grace, when actually not fearing the Lord is grieving the Spirit and our guidance is hindered. There is a shock value as we discover the results of leaving our first Love; so open your ears to hear what WISDOM from God declares.

Podcasts

Freedom of Forgiveness

Psalm 32:1-2 “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.”

 

 

As the Lord forgave us he did not use a sliding scale on grading His forgiveness to us based on our performance, personality, status, gender or any other reason. His love knew we were without hope for ever being free from the bondage of our lost condition. At the Cross God showed His heart toward us  in taking  total responsibility for our need in supplying what we were incapable of producing – total forgiveness. Apart from Him.  Now He tells us to do to others what He has done for us.  He set the standard.

If  we then choose to be have “selective forgiveness,” we set up a standard that differs from God’s standard and then we offer excuses why we should not have to hold to His example to others.

Forgiveness is an act of the will and as we apply that principle to difficult circumstances and relationships we open doors of healing that otherwise are locked tight. Putting feelings aside, and that is not always easy, we rise above our selfish ways. This brings healing on many different levels to our lives.

Don’t allow wrong thinking about past offenses and current hurts rob you of the Freedom of Forgiveness. Yes, there are challenges in tearing down strongholds in our mind. Discover with us today forgiveness that gives freedom.

 

 

Mentoring Matters Podcasts

Jesus is the Word

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

Fact Checked and verified that:
. In John 1:1 The Word of God is declared to be GOD
. John 1:14 The Word became flesh in the person of Jesus Christ.
. John 6:44 Confirms life that last comes through Jesus Christ from God the Father
. John 6: 48-58 offers an illustration of how this works. The explanation did not
make “sense” to some of his disciples that were listening.
. John 6:63 adds additional understanding to the process via the Holy Spirit. Still
not understanding they were offended and simply did not trust the words of
Truth – Did not agree with the Source.
. They chose to reply of their own understanding and walked with the Lord Jesus
NO MORE. They turned away. Their logic was better and higher than the God who
created them.
There was another group of his followers, his close disciples. They chose to ask
more questions to understand the “hard sayings.” They wanted to trust the Giver
of Truth.
What are we doing today when we are faced with hard sayings? Do we seek and
search to know? Many today are murmuring and complaining about the
difficulties we are passing through. They are NOT asking questions to know
accepting their own thinking, closing their hearts and minds to the facts.
Open you heart to the lessons we can learn by claiming the words of Jesus to be
our only hope and source of lasting living.

Podcasts Woman to Woman

Prepare the Heart to Forgive

Ephesians 4:32: “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in  Christ forgave you.”

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie Ratzlaff and Sharon Hoskins discuss the importance of true forgiveness.

Once we acknowledge our emotional baggage and apply understanding to our lives with the provision graciously provided by The Lord, we can move forward in preparing our hearts for the next step.

In preparing our hearts to live free from blindness and emotional turmoil, we need to search our hearts to see if there is anything that is hindering us. As we study and apply Ephesian 4:32 see forgiveness as the main requirement. It may sound simple, but we will need a guide to help us.

Philippians 4 provides us with 7 precepts to bring us to our goal. Find a quiet corner and come join us in discovering these Truths.

Mentoring Matters Podcasts

The Word is Enough

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This week on Mentoring Matters, Janie Ratzlaff, and Sharon Hoskins discuss the all-sufficient Scriptures as God’s Word. It is the truth and final authority and we can depend on it for our everyday living.

Isaiah 30:15: “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and confidence shall be your strength.”

The closing portion of that verse says BUT YOU WOULD NOT. Why would anyone want to reject that counsel? As believers we want a secure relationship with Almighty God and enjoy all the blessings He provides for His family.

When we read this counsel from the Bible but will not apply, we lack understanding or simply do not believe it is our final authority. We then turn onto a detour that takes down a winding road to destruction.

Let’s get grounded in the sufficiency of scripture as it was written to and for us.

Podcasts Woman to Woman

Expectations in Emotions

Philippians 4:6-7: ”Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

 

 

Emotions are a great gift from God, but we often give them a negative review. They originate within our thinking and most of the time we recognize them from our misuse rather than responding to them favorably. A vocalist belts out:

 Emotions, you get me upset
 Why make me remember what I want to forget
 You worry my days and torture my nights
 Emotions, give me a break
 Let me forget that I made a mistake

And on goes the trail of tears that lead us down the path of emotions ruling our lives and we don’t even realize they are our final authority in how we interact with others and the choices that influence our hearts.
If you are wanting a fresh start with some happiness loaded with joy and topped off with tranquil peace, listen to the discussion about understanding Expectations in Relationships.

Mentoring Matters Podcasts

Sufficient Truths of Scripture

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Hebrews 4:12: “ 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.”

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

Podcasts Woman to Woman

Expectations in Relationships

Ephesians 2:12 “Now may the God of HOPE fill you with all joy and peace in believing that you may abound in HOPE by the power of the Holy Spirit.”

 

 

Expectations begin at birth and grow and change as we grow and mature. We are not aware that we have these mental and emotions desires, wants, and needs. HOPE longs for peace and happiness to find fulfillment at an early age.
It isn’t long before our moods and disappointments result in anger and are loudly expressed when we don’t get what we want. Some expectations are valid and some are a display of our ego and selfishness.
If we are not taught to recognized what is good and bad as we grow, we will react selfishly and repeated actions will form habits that spiral down into deeper problems.
This study illustrates what can happen as we sit on the throne of our lives yielding to the symptoms of wounds and worry causing anger and anxiety. If left unattended, an unwanted visitor called depression may come to stay. Let’s look at the solution to see how to keep HOPE alive.

Mentoring Matters Podcasts

Everlasting Truth

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

 

To know everlasting Truth you need to know who and what is Truth, according to the author of Truth. Many today know about the God of Truth without having a personal and intimate relationship with Him. Facts are great but they will never hold up in difficult days without having the life of Truth in our hearts and minds.
John 1:1 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

Without the Word as our constant companion, we will remain in infanthood for growth.
Be a part of our discussion today regarding the divine desire that has been given to all of us to hide His Word in our hearts, that we might not live a sinful life.

Podcasts Woman to Woman

Strengthen Our Conscience

1 Timothy 1:5 – “Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience and from  sincere faith.”

 

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon discuss ways that our conscience can be strengthened.

Many Christians know they have Jesus Christ secure in their hearts and going to Heaven when the Lord decides to bring them home. They want what is right but have failed in finding teaching that has provided them with understanding more than getting out of hell and into heaven. We are so very thankful that has been established in their hearts.

As life progresses the unknown,  disappointments, trials of various kinds, and loss, fears and doubts start to wage war in their thinking with accompanying emotions and feelings. These circumstances can bring a Christian into a perplexing lifestyle and sensing failure in all aspects of coping.

Not wanting to admit failure we can quiet those fears with busyness but never solve the problem for relief.

Our conscience needs to be strong, pure, and clean to guide us by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit’s instruction manual is the Word of God. There is today a famine in our land for the hungering heart. We have too many other distractions to keep us from becoming students of the Word.

Failure to make the Word in our lives a priority will allow the development of a weak and wounded conscience.

See if you have any traits trailing in your life for a weak conscience.

Mentoring Matters Podcasts

Progression Toward Maturity

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Romans 5:3-5 “We glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character, and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.”

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Mentoring Matters, Janie and Sharon discuss the process we all go through as we mature in Christ. Maturity is not an instant quality we can claim. Our lives are all about learning in every growth stage. Before we can begin our growth toward maturity we must have a relationship with God as He supplies the necessary Truths that are used in establishing our foundation.

There are at least four basic percepts we need to know as we gain an understanding of how to apply them to our thinking and behavior.

Testing and tribulations are a part of this maturing process. Without the God of Scriptures guiding each step, we will find a road rocky filled with many potholes and we will stumble along the way.

Confirm today you have started this adventure or open your heart’s door to begin your Progression Toward Maturity.

Podcasts Woman to Woman

The Condition of Our Conscience

“Don’t let them waste their time in endless discussion of myths and spiritual pedigrees. These things only lead to meaningless speculations, which don’t help people live a life of faith in God. The purpose of my instructions is that all believers would be filled with love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and genuine faith.” 1 Timothy 4-5

 

 

In 1 Timothy 1:4-5 Paul tells Timothy to not give attention to teachings that cause disputes rather godly edification which is of  The Faith. The goal of this commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from a sincere faith.  We need the assurance of our faith and how it operates to check our fears.

Wrong teaching will bring fears to the thinking and emotions, paralyzing our ability to contend for the faith.

We are not left helpless because we have the Holy Spirit living within guiding us. His love will flow through us as we choose to keep a good conscience from a pure heart.

If we refuse to listen to the counsel given, our minds become the battleground for the conscience becoming dull and not able to discern. The Word of God keeps the conscience sharp.

Join in our conversation as we look into some of the traits of the defiled, evil, and seared conscience.

Mentoring Matters Podcasts

The Scriptures Plus

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This week on Sharin’ Hearts Mentoring Matters, Janie and Sharon discuss the decline of the Church.

The culture that we live in contributes to shaping our worldview, which is why the Bible tells us to be separate from this world. But, the results of a recent Gallup Poll showed that 76% of Christians do not believe the Bible is the foundational absolute truth.

Psalm 19 tells us what the Scriptures will do to help us establish a Biblical worldview and find those places in our hearts where we have been blind.

So, listen with a willing heart as we look at the subtle ways we have replaced God’s Word in our lives.

Podcasts Woman to Woman

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.

 

Mentoring Matters Podcasts

Building a Biblical Worldview

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“A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good, and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” Luke 6:45

WORDS MATTER as they reveal what is in our hearts. As we establish a Biblical Worldview there are principles we use to decide what builds us up and what can tear us down in knowing the mind of God. Many folks are greatly influence by what others think and so we gather our information from unreliable sources. Scripture may not be our final authority. Whose words do we trust?

Proverbs 18:4 “A person’s words can be life-giving water; words of true wisdom are as refreshing as a bubbling brook.” They bring healing but  many fail to build a biblical worldview because they are unskilled in the word of God.

Allowing the mind to trust in its own understanding opens the door of deception which can lead in paths the Lord Jesus never said to walk.

Come hungry hearts, as God’s word is full of living power and is a guaranteed guide in building a biblical worldview.

Podcasts Woman to Woman

Transform Our Conscience

1 Timothy 1:5 “But the goal of our instructions is love from a pure heart and a good conscience  and a sincere faith.”

 

 

As we look at the qualities of a good conscience, we find some definite character traits that we want to build into our thinking as we are conformed to His image.

“In keeping us on course, it will lead us to a  victorious walk” 1 Timothy 1:18-19

“We will commit ourselves to knowing that we have a good conscience, and we will desire to live honestly and honorably” Hebrews 13:18

“For we are God’s workmanship created for good works.” Ephesians 2:10.

We can say the same that we were created to have a good conscience. A good conscience will exhibit kindness with graciousness in an agreeable and pleasant manner.

Join in our discussion of sowing and reaping the benefits of a GOOD CONSCIENCE.

Mentoring Matters Podcasts

Foundations in a World View

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

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Colossians 2:8 “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.”

 

 

To have a foundation that will stand on solid rock and not be sifted like wind-blown sands, we need to see areas of where compromised thinking can get us into some real trouble. Whether it is rational applications as your final authority, logic according to changing facts, media madness consuming a large part of our days, and some nights, we find our minds will be in a state of overload with options that profit nothing in securing a solid foundation. We will always be on a search for satisfaction to shore up confused conclusions on “How Then Do We Live.”

Today, we are shinning some light on choices that prevent us from building a solid Biblical worldview.

Take note as we unravel the trail of worthless trivia.