Category: Woman to Woman

“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.

“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.

“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.

“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.

“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.

“…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.

“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.

“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.

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!

“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.

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

The Lord knew, upon His departure in returning to heaven, that we would need assurance and understanding into how we are to live without His personal physical presence until He returns to take us home with Him, forever.

The Gospel of John offers us a compilation of promises, instructions, and how to stand on solid ground in the presence of darkness all around. There you can find insights into the Lord, as the God/Man you can trust, with all your needs.

Each chapter offers hope and shows the different character that His life offers us today.

Reading John will bring a new sense that the Lord has all your “bases” covered as you apply, I Peter 5:7 “Casting all your cares upon Him for He cares for you.

“I have been crucified with Christ, it is no longer my life, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.“ Galatians 2:20

This passage, Galatians 2:20, should be memorized by every Christian. It should be part of our prayers; asking the Spirit to make this Truth a reality in our lives.

The work has already been completed when Jesus proclaimed “IT IS FINISHED” but knowing how to apply it everyday is the application is what we want to look at today. This can be especially difficult when we go through testing and trials.

So join in the conversation as we discuss Galatians 2:20 and how we can live Crucified with Christ.

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

How many people know that Jesus Christ is God in the human frame and form? How many people know how The 3-in-one Trinity operates together while having different roles to play for the human race? Many believe God is tough and harsh, but Jesus is loving and kind, “the good guy” So many know about God and Jesus but do not know them in a personal way – and miss the vital relationship for lasting life.

Some may know them as the source that gets you out of hell and into heaven, but little more and so live life as a cycle of struggles and sadness because we are born for joyful lasting relationships.

So join in the conversation as we share a few of these provisions for eternal life and give us assurance “that I may know Him”.

“In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.” John 7:37-38

The normal Christian life is complicated by our own misunderstanding of all that Jesus did on the cross and we settle for a second-hand Christianity. However, we can gain understanding to live in the freedom that Jesus provided for us.

Today we are discussing how we dam up the flow of living water in our lives and the truths that break the dam and set us free.

So, join in the conversation as we break loose the flow of living water. 

“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace which He made to abound toward us in all wisdom and prudence, having made known to us the mystery of his will, according to His good pleasure which He purposed in Himself…” Ephesians 1:7-9

Today on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon discuss the voice of God and why many struggle to hear it. In John 10:27, Jesus says, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me.” Yet, often we confuse God’s voice with the voice of the enemy because of the busy rushes of life.

We get overwhelmed with worry and become discouraged in struggles which takes our attention from faith and trust to hear God to fear that keeps us focused on the problems.

But Jesus made it possible to know Him and he provided a way by the power of the cross.

So, join in the conversation to find the solution to this problem and discuss the best way to hear God’s Voice.

“To him who overcomes will I grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.” Revelation 3:21

Some think overcoming is just a one-time event that came with salvation so why do we need to keep overcoming? Because there is an urgent need for us to learn to live the reigning life (eternity) NOW, so to the degree that we reign as an overcomer NOW, we shall be prepared to reign in actuality – forever. All of us are all called to be overcomers – not just a select few.

So join in the conversation as we discuss the call to all overcomers and examine the decline of devotion to the person of Jesus Christ that begins in the heart.

“He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.” Revelation 3:22

Today on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon discuss the difficulties that we face in society every day. Life is hard and challenging even at its best, but the Lord has made a way for us all.

When our goal is to be well pleasing to the Father we are sometimes met with obstacles that obstruct fulfilling the life of an Overcomer. However, the Lord has made a way of escape.

Join in the conversation as we dig into the Scriptures to be enlighten to the way of victory for Overcoming the world.

“But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” 1 Corinthians 15:57

This victory is offered to all who are willing to pay the price to obtain the position of an Overcomer.

Yes, as believers, we have overcome death and condemnation through the victory of Christ’s Cross – we then are responsible to be the Overcomer making known His Light to our darkened world in our daily walk

The benefits are truly “out of this world” wonderful! Listen in and loosen up to make this victory a reality.

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon will explore the sneaky ways fear grips us and the amazing tools God has given us. We are all faced with fears of some sort every day.  How we respond to these fears is the key to being able to overcome them.

Society uses fear tactics to sell goods and services. We fear that if we forgive someone for hurting us, then we give them an open door to do it again. Fear holds us in bondage and it is easy to allow fear to take root without realizing it.

Join in the conversation as we discover how to overcome fears through His word.

“For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” 2 Timothy 1:7

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie Ratzlaff, and Sharon Hoskins discuss the many fear tactics that are used on us every single day by the enemy through different types of media which is carried over into our face-to-face conversations.

We face fears in our health, fears in our relationships, and fears in our finances.  News reports, social media, and commercials are some of the places used to manipulate our thoughts with fear.

But the scriptures are a solid rock we can stand on to overcome fear and walk by faith. So, we invite you to join in the conversation as we discuss the many subtle ways that fear fights faith.

“And when the enemy drew near, My heart filled with fear, Then I heard someone dear, Calling me to His side, And I ran under His wings, There He covered me, And now I can see, The storm still rages, Oh, but in the Rock of Ages, We’re resting warmly here, Under our Lord’s wings” Under His Wings – Hymn

This week on Sharin Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon are feeling the effects of the pandemic that has swept around the world. Since they have been unable to meet in the studio for conversation, they scoured their archives for topics that are relevant to our current situation. Fear is flooding many hearts as they face financial uncertainty, loss of loved ones, and isolation from friends and family. These are very difficult times but we want to be able to overcome the fear that grips and paralyzes us. There are approximately 365 verses about fear and worry in scripture. So, join in the conversation as we explore many of these verses to discover How to Overcome Fear.

“Satan sows seeds of fear so that we might reap the fruit of doubt”

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon hope to expose the many seeds of fear that are being sown into our hearts. There are many things happening right now that can cause us to be fearful and in turn, we begin to doubt God and His love for us. If we can recognize the fear that is getting into our hearts, then we can take action so that doubt does not grow. If we can also recognize doubt, then we can trace it back to the root of fear. So remember, “Satan sows seeds of fear that we might reap the fruit of doubt.” Join in the conversation as we look at how to overcome doubt.

“Blessed is the man that endures temptations: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to them that love Him” James 1:12.

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon discuss 6 different types of resources that are used as the final authority in our lives. Every person uses a final authority that they stand on for the basis of the choices they make in life. Discover how using the wrong final authority may be causing us to give in to temptations that are destroying our testimony. Join in the conversation as we dig into the scriptures that will give us insight into how to overcome temptations.

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another” John 13:34-35

1 Corinthians 13 gives us a detailed description of the perfect love that the Lord Jesus speaks of in John 13:35 when He said, “All men will know that you are My disciples if you have love one for another.” Love is evidenced in those who are His disciples.

The fruit of love is seen in our actions and attitudes as we encounter people and situations in life. Love cares how we talk to one another and love cares how we represent our Lord and Savior.

We invite you to join in the conversations as we dig into the command of Living in Perfect Love.

“And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love” 1 Cor. 13:13

1 Cor. 13 is known as the love chapter and in it, love is not only defined but we are also given a description of what love looks like in action.

Today we are highlighting the actions of love that can be seen in our attitude, which also exposes what our actions look like when we lack love.

So join in the conversation as we examine our attitudes and actions.

“And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love…pursue love” 1 Cor. 13:13

The word love in 1 Corinthians 13 is translated as Agape. It describes the love that is from Father God, and it was displayed by the Cross of Jesus Christ.

It is the sacrificial love that He tells us to have towards each other. And it is by this love that all will know we are His disciples.

So we invite you to join in the conversation as we discover what it looks like when we walk in the fruit of love.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” John 3:16

In God’s perfect love, He made a way for us to be born into His family, through the death, burial, and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ.

So, join in this challenging conversation as we discover the perfect definition to describe God’s Perfect Love.

“But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned” Matthew 12:36-37

When we speak, sometimes what we say is misunderstood by those who hear. This is due to changes in definitions that breakdown the lines of communication.

With all the many platforms of communication these days it is easy to pick up catchy and popular terminology that is not scriptural. The implications to the listener may give them a completely different message than intended.

So, join in the conversation as we discuss the importance of being careful with words.

“Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve” 1 Peter 5:2

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon continue their conversation about the crowns mentioned in scripture. These crowns are known to be rewards that some will receive when they stand before the Lord at the judgment seat of Christ. This Judgment Seat is also known as the Bema where all believers will receive some praise.

The crown of glory is mentioned in reference to those who shepherd the flock willingly and honestly, not for selfish gain, being an example to them.

So, join in the conversation as we examine the crown of Glory.

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad” 2 Cor. 5:10

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, we are defining the crowns mentioned in Scripture. These crowns are known to be rewards that some will receive when they stand before the Lord at the judgment seat of Christ. The judgment seat of Christ is also known as the Bema where all believers will receive some praise.

So, join in the conversation as we examine the Crown of Righteousness

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he has done, whether it be good or bad” 2 Cor. 5:10

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon discuss the crown of rejoicing; this is one of the crowns that are mentioned in scripture.

The crown of rejoicing is sometimes called the soul winner’s crown because it has to do with leading people to Christ.

There are many different ways that the Lord can use a believer to make Himself known to an individual. The crown of rejoicing is not just for those who give the ABCs of salvation or the Roman’s Road.

So join in the conversation as we examine the crown of rejoicing.

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ: that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he has done, whether it be good or bad” 2 Cor 5:10.

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon discuss the Judgment Seat of Christ and what that Day will mean for the believer. Looking at the crowns and rewards that are mentioned in scripture will give us an understanding of what Paul means when he encourages us to run the race as though we were going to receive a prize.

We can’t really comprehend the magnitude of all that the Lord has for us on that Day, but we know because of who He is they will be so worth the sacrifice, effort, and diligence that we put forth; by Him, through Him, and to Him, to receive them.

So join in the conversation as we dig into the Word to find insights into Running the Race Well.

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad” 2 Cor. 5:10

Some say if you are too heavenly minded you are no earthly good. The truth of the matter is that we must be heavenly-minded if we want to be any earthly good.

Life needs purpose and if we drift or coast through life without purpose we will surely miss the goal Christ has called us to live.

Our Father has one purpose in all His ways and that is to conform us to the image (character) of His Son. This may explain our perplexities as to the past, it should control our behavior in the present, and be our guide for the future.

Many times we want Him to just explain the reason for the trials we pass through and give us all the details so we can understand what is happening and if He doesn’t we search for meaning and purpose.

Knowing the Father’s heart teaches us to be accountable to Him with eternal values in view. “Every knee shall bow to Me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then each of us shall give an account of himself to God”

Today we look at the absolutes in Scripture that let us understand the purpose of the BEMA (The Judgment Seat of Christ) so we will live with heavenly vision and purpose.

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

As we continue to review the need to live a resurrected life with eternity values in view, the incentive to make wise choices each day can be seen in the truth of Galatians 6:7-11.  The laws of farming applied to  sowing and reaping.

Many will use this passage in a negative application, meaning earthy and fleshly living will result in a loss of good works. However, there is another aspect that sowing unto the eternal and righteous living will reap a bountiful crop with great rewards, both here and when we go home to meet our  Lord.

Many of our problems that we may be reaping today are the results of bad farming practices in our lives.  Learning these different “laws” can protect and correct from reaping any future “bad crops.”

Our goal is to make sure that we understand, so that our labor will not be in vain and we can look forward to seeing our Lord and Savior when He calls.

Today, we look at the principles of sowing and reaping through the eyes of a farmer sowing his seed.

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life” John 3:16.

This familiar passage goes on to say that God did not send His Son to condemn the world but to save it because those who do not believe in Him are condemned already.

Jesus Christ, arising from the grave and being seen by hundreds confirmed the validity of the spoken word regarding CHRIST IS ALIVE!  Christians are the only people who can claim our founder is alive and well, preparing a place for us to be with Him forever in Heaven.

Today we are discussing the full package deal that Christ paid for us on the cross. We are digging a little deeper to see what our purpose is in spending time here in preparation for eternity.  We begin to unravel the purpose of the Judgment Seat of Christ, also known as the Bema, and discuss what happens there, and what the purpose is for the believer.

There are real reasons that could cause a Christian to be fearful of this event, but it is meant to be wonderful to look forward to this time when we see Jesus face to face. So, how can we truly be ready to meet Jesus and not be fearful of loss as mentioned in the Bible?

The resurrection has provided us with the path to maturity and how to daily walk that path with love and confidence.

So join in the conversation as we explore the benefits of living the resurrected life.

“Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving one another” Col. 3:12-13.

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon study what it means to judge according to scripture and find that we are commanded to judge (investigate, distinguish, and examine) not only situations but also people and ourselves. We are not to judge to condemnation, but to reconciliation. With the correct definition of judgment and the right context of judgment, we can discover how to judge with tender mercies.

“And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked word, yet now has He reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy and blameless and above reproach in His sight” Colossians 1:21-22.

Today on Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon discuss the thoughts that cause us to work for God’s approval. We are reconciled – past tense; now let’s grow in grace and knowledge by studying the scriptures to be a learner that has a testimony. Let’s set on a path of learning to go from “trying” to “trusting”. God declares that He loves us so much that He does not want to do without us.

“Grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever” 2 Peter 3:18

In this day and age knowledge is abundant, everywhere we turn we are gaining knowledge, but is it the knowledge that will have lasting benefits?
We send our children to school with a priority to get an education with life skills to be a success. Are we equally as dedicated to understanding grace, how it functions, and why it must be a priority, as grace and knowledge walk hand in hand?
Let’s open the only Book that has the wisdom to guide us to a successful appreciation of the Gift of God’s Grace.