Category: Woman to Woman

“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.

“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.

“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.

“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.

“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.”

“For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse.” Romans 1:20

God has not left us in ignorance as to the consequences that await us for having live our way and not His.  Ours may offer earthly pleasures for a season but the dangers are horrifying beyond our understanding. 

Let’s enter the courtroom of our final appearance before the Judge, Jesus Christ, and ask the Spirit to open our eyes to His Word revealing a life separated from God and His Son, Jesus Christ, The Pathway to Hell.

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

This one statement alone, but with many others, lets us know who wrote the greatest book ever written and that is the Bible. In this information age, it is becoming more difficult to discern what is Truth 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 as 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.

“I in them, and You in Me, that they may be made perfect in one and the world may know that You have sent me, and have loved them as You have loved Me.” John 17: 23

This verse describes Truth as knowing and experiencing personal relationships with God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit, not just head knowledge about Truth. Many know the language and information of Scripture without knowing the Authors personally who wrote the Scriptures. We are commanded to be students of the Word for maturity in the Divine Truths.  Come and let us reason together.    

 “Hear what the spirit is saying to those who have an ear to hear.” Rev. chapters 2-3 (please read all)

The description of hearing with your heart is valid and vital for all that know what it is to be a part of the family of God. For those that are yet to become a part of His family, hunger and need must be created and that starts in the heart.

There is great opposition that test and tries an unguarded heart. It is time we prioritize the heart of God in our lives for keeping Him as our first love.

 Do we really know and care about the danger of putting our heart’s agenda first as the standard of learning? We hear with our ears, but we listen with our hearts.  Are we listening to what the Spirit is saying? 

 “To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of the mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” Colossians 1:27

When Christ walked here, He came to set up His Divine order on how to walk in the newness of life. “Old things are passed away, behold, all things are new.” Change is scary and understanding needs the Spirit working in us. 

Today’s discussion reveals how to redeem the time for the days that are evil. Explore with us insights into making fruitful this Time of Transition.

“All those whom I love I correct and discipline. Therefore, shake off your complacency and repent.” Revelation 3:20

We are living in the days of apostasy as the church at Laodicea did. Sliding down the slippery slopes unto destruction does not happen overnight.  It can develop by simply wanting to enjoy the good life of comfort and ease and we start to neglect the virtue of being diligent in holding fast to our First Love – Jesus Christ.

Today, we reflect on the dangers of Living a Lukewarm Life in these perilous times and the accompanying consequences. 

 “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me on My Throne.” Revelation 3:21

Some think this is just a one-time event and why to keep bringing it up. Because there is an urgent need for us to learn to live the reigning life NOW, so to the degree that we reign as an overcomer NOW, we shall be prepared to reign in actuality – forever. We are all called to be overcomers – not just a select few. 

Let’s examine the call to all overcomers, as decline begins with a cooling off of the heart’s warmth and devotion to the person of Christ. 

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

Life is hard and challenging even at its best. When our goal is to be well pleasing to the Father we are met with obstacles to obstruct fulfilling the life of an Overcomer. The Scriptures enlighten the way of victory for Overcoming the world – Join us in our discussion.  

 “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.  

“For the hearts of these people have grown dull. Their ears are hard of hearing, and their eyes have closed.” Act 28:27

It is easy to grow dull in remaining diligent in discipline when all is going great, and ease of life is normal. We grow disinterested in those heading for hell, we focus on laying up treasures for our retirement in comfort and become casual about the consequences of sin in our lives.

These fleshly traits blind us in remaining steadfast in our walk and we fail to redeem the time for the days are evil. Today, join in as we learn more Lessons from Laodicea.                      

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“God is Spirit, and those that worship Him must worship in spirit and truth.”  John 4:24

We are created as 3- part beings, each having its personalized importance. When we choose to do the right thing in the wrong way, we open ourselves up to the deception of the enemy. His craftiness blinds our hearts to become captive to his dealings. Today, be alert and informed, avoiding the decline into deception. 

“We are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us, we implore you on Christ’s behalf be reconciled to God. “   2 Corinthians 5:20

To be an ambassador is to hold an office or position as an official representative for a king or government. Believers living under the government of God who has rule of everything as He is the Creator of all is a privilege beyond compare. This representation is for reconciliation in bringing world order that glorifies God Almighty. Listen as we discuss –  How do we function as Ambassadors for Christ? 

“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. 

“My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me.” 2 Corinthians 12:9

It can be hard to boast when failings and loss show up in areas that allow disappointments and discouragements. We are thankful for salvation secured by the gift of grace, but then, we want to be strong in our own strength, rather than His, for the miracle of grace. That formula doesn’t work.

 Today, as we review church history over the last 2000 years, we can trace GRACE operating in each age, overcoming the doubts that rob and restrict us of a God-Given Life in His Amazing Grace.

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

Hebrews 11 looks at a list of lives that reflect the character of faith. Only to be what He wants me to be is the heart of the Philadelphia Church, located in the city of brotherly love. The Church’s commitment comes from the heart of love because Christ first loved us and gave Himself for us. Let’s investigate what makes up The Faithful Church.  

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

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

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

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

How often do we struggle with overwhelming circumstances that keep arriving in our lives, unplanned, and upsetting the comforts and security that we still own? It is so easy to blame others for being guilty of creating the stress and strife we fight. However, we need to turn a pointing finger back to ourselves and question if we have ignored the security blanket that was our protection. Are we to blame for our own problems to some degree? Today, we are talking about the mess we have today, knowing that God’s grace is available with the solutions to live and thrive as He has promised: “to make a way of escape that we may be able to bear it.” As we focus on Hope in Jesus Christ, our eyes are opened, and we see what needs to be corrected to enjoy Deliverance from Deception. 

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

The Lord knows all matters as He knew the weakness of this church. He announces that His character is complete wisdom, knowledge, and love. If they had ears to hear and applied His character in their lives they would walk in spiritual health. However, Sardis did not want to listen but wanted to build for themselves a name and trust in their wealth, wisdom, and works as a means of being successful “for the Lord.” They were coming out of the “dark ages” where the Word of God had only been available through a select few. They needed a Great Deliverance from ignorance of the mind and awakening with all diligence the heart, for out of it spring the issues of life. Then they would live delivered from deception of the flesh. 

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

There is a principle in the Scripture that says, “Point of departure – point of return.” As these letters were circulated to all the churches Sardis needed to remember where the Church had its beginnings and return to the Truths that Jesus Christ gave in these letters. At a great price a few good men lived worthy lives and translated the scriptures into different languages and invented the printing press. The Scriptures were now available to the people who had lived in darkness for hundreds of years. They could return to Truth and Come Alive once more. Are we still living in that freedom? 

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

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

We can see the same type of controls being placed on different people from different countries demanding those inhabitants follow the dictates of man-made thinking today. As these controls become “new laws” for all; Do not be deceived when this way of living is called progress.  It is a self-centered, selfish system from false views of philosophy that depraved souls embrace for their own purpose. Join our conversation to Stand Strong and reap the promise.  

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

Do we establish what should be our authority in how we live? Many times, we decide what we think is best for us and that becomes the standard that we choose to live by, without ever consulting the mind of God. We simply send Him our request in what we want Him to do for us. We may sound spiritual, but it is really childish selfishness in wanting our way for our own goals. Let’s return to the standard that the Word of God sets as He, only, knows what is best for our lives here and forever. We need training, as a child, to know how to grow in His Grace and Knowledge. 

 “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 was ever a command to keep your mind on matters that mandate the heavenly calling it is this verse. We are often told to just focus on the here and now, which definitely is a part of the Christian walk., but unless we are grounded in our Source of knowledge, Jesus Christ, we will fail in our endeavors to live with confidence in understanding the here and now. We have opposition in keeping our hearts and minds guarded against the minds of men that are the decoys of deception – using their wisdom instead of the Wisdom of God which requires knowing the fear of the Lord.  Join us as we discover 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 guaranteeing pain? In today’s world, we are becoming dull of hearing by building our own walls of protection that don’t protect but separate us from the Spirit’s Source of strength pointing 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 so we are not deceived by what we see in our worrisome world.  

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

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

“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. 

 Check out our discussion today as we weave through the maze of growing in grace, making our walk and talk be the same in our attitudes and actions, as proof of being a true Overcomer.  

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

That promise does not guarantee there will be NO persecution but by casting all our concerns and needs, no matter how tough, we have the assurance 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.  Today, we will offer further insight into the specifics of successful suffering concerning persecution. Come join us.

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

Most suffering, the Lord told us we would pass through, is allowed to develop our character and understanding of what is important to our Father for our well-being. We allow hard times for our children, that does not always understand, by training them to be able to live successfully in this world. Challenges develop character. There are many examples of lives that benefitted from facing unknowns. Today, let’s review some Biblical examples. 

“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?

“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. The solution is available to anyone in need and hungry for release. Today, join the discovery. 

“Be Still and Know that I am God” Psalms 46:10

The nations are currently stunned at the suffering people are being subjected to through circumstances beyond their control. Even people of different beliefs and convictions are rising up protesting the crimes against humanity. Others not involved directly by the tragedies are showing gallant service giving aid in the crisis.

“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 should be memorized by every Christian in 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 in everyday testing and trials is what we want to look at today. 

“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. Let’s share a few of these provisions for eternal life. 

“You have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh but through love serve one another.” Galatians 5:13

To serve one another in love has a shortlist in Galatians 5, but can take a long time to mature, as commanded. However, there is an extremely long list that Paul needed to give showing each other how they were living by their own selfish thoughts and deeds. We can be very slow learners. 

Hopefully, today our discussion will bring a better balance when we understand the heart of God shown in ultimate love via the Cross. 

“Only God can judge the heart as He alone can see it.” 1 Samuel 16:7 

Complete Freedom does not come without challenges in our thinking and actions. This freedom was given through the work on the Cross but is not initially or automatically understood at the time of salvation. Waiting on the Lord in diligent dependence and study is the only way to enjoy the freedoms we have in Christ. 

If we are not willing to choose this path we will keep our hearts and lives in turmoil, confusion, and missing the abundant joy and strength of the glories of the Cross, not the burden, needed while traveling here.

“For by Grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is a gift of God” Ephesians 2:8

We are told there are many paths to heaven and many ways we can qualify. Jesus says only one way to claim all the benefits of His finished work on the Cross. It is imperative to know all what is given after we are assured of getting out of hell and into heaven. There is so much more.  Whoever has an ear to hear; Listen!

“Being justified by faith, we have peace with God” Romans 5: 1

Romans 6: 6 and Colossians 2:15 open the door of understanding on the different functions at the Cross: Sins, sin, self, and Satan are met with defeat.

Many do not realize the power in Jesus’ death regarding what was accomplished when He willingly went to the Cross and confirmed the victory in His resurrection!

To grasp the magnitude of the greatest event ever known is to will and have the confidence to surrender all to live for Him. Many won’t because of blindness and willful ignorance. Hear the danger of being “lost in the crowd of madness.” 

”The Holy Spirit says: TODAY, if you will hear His voice, Do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, In the day of trial in the wilderness.” Hebrews 3:7-8

The Lord knows and sees our lacks and wanderings, He tells us that in these last
days He has spoken through His Son in calling us to REPENTANCE.
Repentance from what? Not putting Him first in our ways, deciding what is most
important for our goals, making prayer a “tack-on” to ministry, and on and on we
go. Not knowing His ways will lead our hearts astray. Hear Him Today!

“Remember therefore from where you have fallen, repent, and do the first works or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place – unless you repent.” Revelation 2:5

This passage is addressed to the church in Ephesus, but churches are made up of people. On paper and practice, this church was looking good. It would make an outstanding resume’ in today’s culture of Christianity. 

There was a huge problem that had overtaken the people and it was canceling out everything they were doing correctly from their “good works.”  Let’s investigate the evidence and solution to see how we may overcome the culture of the past that has become the culture of the present. 

“Therefore, judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one’s praise will come from God.” I Corinthians 4:5

What lurks deep within your own heart that would cause shame, regret, sadness,
and remorse that you don’t want other to know. Perhaps it is buried so deep you
sense the discomfort but do not know the cause of being uneasy and troubled –
so you stay very busy avoiding the accountability.
What are the counsels of your heart? Allow His Light to shine now wiping out the
hidden things of darkness. May each day be “Sonshine” to your soul.

“Blot out my transgressions, wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin.” Psalms 51: 1-3

Many people see themselves as “good people.” Sin is currently classified as poor choices or mistakes.
However, that thinking waters down the intensity of the true devastation of living a life according to your own reasoning regarding the principle of SIN.
Today, we touch on the different forms in how SIN shows its ugly self, sometimes being done with little concern for the consequences to ourselves and others. All sin is against God and we stand guilty. Listen carefully as learn the character of SIN. Thank God the power of SIN is broken. Learn How.

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.” Ephesians 1:3

When we offend or trouble someone when wanting to help them and it is not
appreciated or valued, it is very easy to question if we will ever see ourselves as
doing what is best for all.
Our fleshly selfish thinking can rob us of the attributes that are already ours listed
in Ephesians 1. Sometimes we must tear down before we can build up and give
from the abundance that we have been given. Our encouragement for today is
Who we are in Christ.