Time in the Shepherd’s Field

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

 

 

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

Identifying the Root Problem

 

“Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you?” 1 Cor. 3:16.

Do we know that we are the temple of God as 1 Cor. 3:16 so rightly asks? It seems that there’s a lot of wishy-washy living in the Christian society today. What causes our wishy-washy living?
Matthew 7:24 says that a wise man, who hears God’s word and does what His word says, is like a man who builds his house on a rock. But a foolish man will hear God’s word but not do what it says, and he is like a man who builds his house on the sand.
The root problem for wishy-washy living is found in the foundation. Jesus Christ is the Rock that we build on; solid, unwavering, and secure, so we will not be tossed to and fro by every wind that blows our way.

Psalm 23

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

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

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

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

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

The Old to Young

The older women admonish the young women to love, be discreet, to be chaste, good, obedient, home-makers that the word of God may not be blasphemed – Titus 2.

There’s a trend in the culture to do away with the old, do away with history, do away with the old-fashioned ways of living. So, if we do away with anything that makes us “feel” bad then we can “feel” good and the world will be a better place, which is a total lie. Rewriting history does not change history; it only causes us to repeat the same mistakes that our ancestors made.

With this trend, the Christians have rejected the mentoring established in Titus 2. Instead of the younger clinging to the older for encouragement in the faith, they are pushing them out of the church and out of their lives for the more trending ways of living. Some churches have decided to have 2 services; a traditional for the older, and a contemporary for the younger, separating them even further from each other.

The older are being impacted by the rejection, resolving to keep their wisdom quiet in order to avoid strife; resulting in the younger being more influenced by the trends of the world. We could easily insert today’s Christian into Galatians 3:1, Oh foolish Christian! Who has bewitched you that you should not obey the truth?

So, today, we encourage the old to encourage the young, and the young to embrace the old as we stand together in Christ.

Alone with God

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

 

 

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

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

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

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

The Root of Anger

“Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you…be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you” Eph. 4:31-32

 

Everyone has basic needs, but when they are not met, and then anger and hurt often ensue. Over the course of time, unmet needs are stored in a part of the brain that remembers the negativity in life that triggers anger.

Along with needs, people are entitled to basic rights, but when those rights are violated then hurt and anger is the emotional response.

If anger is a troubling point that you are dealing with, then listen in to see if you can find the solution to the root of anger in your life.

Freedom From Busyness

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

 

 

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

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

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

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

The Danger of Anger

 

“A sound heart is life to the body, but envy is rottenness to the bones” Proverbs 14:30

 

Anger is one of the most basic emotions that trap our hearts and add more negative emotions to our problems, starting a roller coaster ride taking us up and down through,

. Confusion in our beliefs,

. Suspicions regarding others because we have assumed conclusions without having all the facts,

. Relying on partial truths that attack our thinking with lies we believe to be true. 

To get off this roller coaster ride, the book of Proverbs in the Bible offers very practical wisdom with truths that transform rather than leaning to our own understanding, in overcoming and escaping The Danger of Anger

 

Blind in Busyness

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

 

 

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

Anger to Apathy

 

“Do not associate with a man given to anger, or go with hot-tempered man, or you will learn his ways and find a snare for yourself.” Proverbs 22:24-25

 

Anger begins with an EXPECTATION of what we want, think we need, shocked at something or someone that causes pain to us. We all battle anger at some point. 

 Telling a person to control their anger is like trying to pet a porcupine – porcupines are best left alone and so are those who are chronically angry. Some people that are angry blow-up and some clam up and later build up so much that they explode. 

God’s love, shown through gentleness is anger harnessed. If anger can flare quickly in your life, but leaves very slowly, join in the conversation today to understand the good and the danger of anger.

 

 

A Lifestyle of Busyness

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

 

 

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

Anger without Sin

“Be angry, and do not sin. Mediate within your heart on your bed, and be still.” Psalms 4:4

 

So many physical functions within the body occur during the hours of sleep. Going to bed with a hot temper, or maybe just frustrated, irritated, or annoyed will keep the body from resting and restoring a person to meet the challenges of a new day. We go against the very design by our Creator.

Now is a great time to evaluate and examine how to recognize the little signs and symptoms that cause us to choose to handle matters “MY WAY”.   We cover the pain of hurt, rejection, and loss by DOING something that dulls that ache in our hearts. Yes, that can give us temporary relief, but those hurts get buried deep inside the building for an explosion and poison our thinking. 

Develop the art from the counsel given in the Scripture that begins with BEING STILL. We will be talking about that issue today on sharinhearts.org at 4 pm.

Joy in Adversity

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

 

 

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

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

From Anxiety to Peace

 “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction for instruction, in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16

 

We hear people quote this verse and then turn around and refuse to apply these very words in their lives. The Bible is GOD breath, they are His words in the original text, but don’t use words of wisdom on me when I am bitter from circumstances that make me anxious, angry, and unforgiving. 

To replace bitterness with a peace we ought to LISTEN TO HIS WORDS as they DO matter.  We are told to GUARD OUR WORDS and make sure what we said is what you heard with the meaning we intended, otherwise we ignore the Grace of God.

 Join us in today’s conversation as we dig into why words matter in going FROM ANXIETY to PEACE. 

Joy of Unity

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

 

 

One of the best descriptions of Joy is:

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

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

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

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

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

Fear and Anxiety

“Be Anxious for Nothing but in Everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving let your request be made known” Philippians 4:6

 

In these changing times problems are commonplace and “Be Anxious for Nothing” addresses a situation within the church at Philippi between 2 women. Whether then or now the Word of God remains timeless for the solutions to live in peace and be a guard for our hearts and minds.

Let’s relieve the stress and tension within today as we apply the counsel in living free from FEAR and Anxiety. 

  

The Attitude of Joy

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

 

 

Attitudes are the foundation on which our actions are built.

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

Anxious For Nothing

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6

 

We quote this verse a lot and probably think we are applying the Scripture in our circumstances the way the Apostle Paul described.

However, we need to take a closer look at the details. Paul uses absolute words, such as NOTHING, not just a little bit sometimes. He further declares ALWAYS – there is to be a consistency in our thoughts originating in PRAYER; expressed through supplication and thanksgiving. Then, we are ready to make our request known by the manner that He longs to hear and answer.

Today, let’s dive into what keeps us from taking the Words of Jesus, written by Paul, to see what it takes to make a really great faithful servant that is ANXIOUS FOR NOTHING. 

The Joy of the Lord

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

 

 

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

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

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

Steps To Maturity

 

“Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice! Have mercy also upon me, and answer me. When you said, “Seek My Face,” My heart said to You, “Your Face, Lord, I will seek.” Psalms 27:7-8

 

When we are drawn by the mercies of God and our salvation is secure and complete, we are just beginning the progression of growing in grace and knowledge as we apply the Scriptures to our daily lives. 

There are essentials for establishing our Father’s will in fulfilling our maturity that is well pleasing to Him and it is easy to accept a path of comfort and miss the Master’s best.

Join our discussion as we evaluate the stepping stones to maturity. 

Preparing for the Storm

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

 

 

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

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

Complete in Him

“You are complete in him, who is the he of all principles and power.” Colossians 2:9b

 

It is very important to know the Person that has authority over all living matters and the power to keep us in the most difficult circumstances where we need security and safety for ourselves, our families, and from authorities that can hold us hostage with their power.

Today, WE reflect on how we find ourselves in places of no escape; WE see what happens when we try to fix our problems on our own. WE struggle with how to trust our authority, Jesus Christ, who allows various trials to come to those that He loves – doesn’t He have the power to keep us safe? When WE CAN’T, HE CAN. Our guide is found in the words of Jesus Christ, himself.  Since His words are true and trusting. Join us as explore how being COMPLETE IN HIM keeps our guaranteed hope alive. 

Peace from Prison Pt. 3

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

 

 

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

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

Christ’s Character

 

“If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself.” 2 Timothy 2:13

 

In the season we are living, having a powerful authority you can depend on for
wisdom, in walking through the waters of uncertainty every day, is a tremendous
gift to each one that wants to be a part of God’s family.
God is love and wants those desiring to accept His gift to also accept His purpose
in offering — “all that God is available every man, woman, boy, or girl that is
available to all that God is.”
Knowing His attributes and allowing the Scriptures to mold our thinking prepares
our minds to be transformed into Christ-like character, which is pleasing to the
Father. Let’s take a look at the riches of Christ’s character.

Peace From Prison Pt. 2

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

 

 

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

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

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

Sufficient Truth of Scripture

“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12

 

The definition of “sufficiency” is adequate to do the purpose intended or to meet a need. 2 Peter defines this as “seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.”
The scripture is the best book for offering guaranteed promises filled with hope, but they also instruct us with rules of accountability. In world culture, we find resistant to authority that demands any control where we want our “freedoms.” Many look at the scripture as being deficient or inadequate. Therefore, they ignore the Bible as being a guide they want to trust.
Let’s do a “fact check” in affirming the Bible is not just an extra accessory to aid our model of living with philosophy and methodology; it is the REAL DEAL

The Method of Preparation

“That I may know him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death.” Philippians 3:10

 

That verse presents the highs and lows of our walk here on earth. Parts sound good and parts are so scary and perplexing on how to achieve. KNOWING Jesus Christ is first and many spend their whole lives just getting to know Him, which extends way beyond salvation. 

Knowing HIM and the power of a resurrected life comes before the hard sayings of sharing in the fellowship of HIS suffering. Let’s study today the mind of Christ in understanding His method of preparation so we may run the race as He has equipped us to do and obtain the prize that is waiting for those living by faith.  

Peace From Prison Pt. 1

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

 

 

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

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

 

Characteristics of the Conscience

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

 

 

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

 

God’s Purpose for Me

 “My little children for whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you.” Galatians 4:19

 

For this verse to be fulfilled we will begin by making sure that we have taken the first step in salvation, a new birth. Then we must move forward in knowing and abiding in fulfilling our purpose for why we are created. As children grow and mature their “mission” in life broadens. Many choices change as they seek PURPOSE. Most start off with a purpose totally satisfying self and this needs a renewing of the mind for realizing purpose in living. Many today are bewildered as to how to discern their reason for existing.

The Lord Jesus knew His purpose from the beginning and always followed His Father’s purpose as His own. This week let’s examine the Scriptures to know what can hinder and what can confirm God’s Purpose for each of us in living at this particular time in history.       

The Challenge of Conversation

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

 

 

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

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

Consent to be Loved

 “But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” Romans 5:8

 

Knowing who we are and our worth in life is usually determined by outside influences. With divided hearts, and differing opinions that result in confusion most are tossed back and forth in finding some form of acceptance according to performance in relationships and positive circumstances.

If our performance does not solve the problem, we are unsure of what to do next. We succumb to ever-changing conditions. Should repeated failures occur we lose all sense of being stabilized and question how to fix the wrongs or just blame someone else.

If we will consent to being loved and accepted by the Author of love WHO provides assurance of worth to our souls, then the comfort we need is ours, IN CHRIST. Today, we will uncover the reality of facts so our faith can grow. 

Pathway to Hell

“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.

 

Does God Accept me?

“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

 

Many people are burdened in knowing if they are accepted in society, home relationships, church fellowships, and workplace surroundings. All of life holds people in tension and insecurity with doubting. Since they have no apparent solution, they create their own false security. 

What does the Creator of all people say about who they are and what is their identify. There is good news for those overwhelmed with questioning God according to His mind and heart. Does God Accept me and if so, on what basis? 

The Gospel of God’s Grace

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

 

 

This one statement 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.

Spiritual Greatness

“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.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10

 

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, and 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.”

Divine Truths

“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.    

Lies in Relationships

“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 experienced, The Blame Game:

“it’s your fault”, “You made me so mad”

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

Have these thoughts ever crossed 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.”

Hear What the Spirit is Saying

 “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? 

 

Faith Grows

“I found it necessary to write to you exhorting you to contend earnestly for the faith which was once for all delivered to the saints.” Jude 3b

 

Each has been given a measure of faith. Salvation is a one-time transformation by the grace and power of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Spirit then goes about making all the truth of salvation and beyond reality in the newness of life.

We can really slow down or even mess up His sovereign work toward maturity by centering on serving ourselves; many times without realizing where and why we no longer “lie down in green pastures so He can restore our soul.” Psalms 23:2-3

It is sobering and saddening when we have Light and do not walk in it. Let’s talk about character choices for FAITH to Grow.  

 

Time of Transition

 “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.

 

Established in the Faith

“Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience.” I Timothy 3:9

 

The unity of the Spirit is firmly based on the unity of the faith. Modern efforts of organizational unity are based on compromise and a watered-down definition of faith. Faith must be tested to prove if it will pass the circumstances when we have no solution of our own. Faith that grows stronger must be Divine faith, as soulish man-made faith will fail.  

We are discussing how to discern lasting faith that comes from a pure heart of love and a good conscience.  This is the real mark or target at which to aim. Some miss the mark because they aim at the wrong target.  Do you know the difference? Join us. 

 

Living a Lukewarm Life

“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. 

Facts of Faith

“The gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with FAITH in those who heard it.” Hebrews 4:2

 

The message was proclaimed but it did no good because they only heard and did not believe as well. It is only as a result of our faith and trust that we experience the life of rest that we have been commanded to live.

There are conditions for our faith in the PERSON of Jesus Christ to produce a life of trust and do the will of our Father.  How do we live the 24/7 life pleasing unto the Lord Jesus? Today, we will share the stabilizing Facts of Faith for our daily walk. 

 

An Overcomer’s Life

 “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. 

Faith in Christ

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

 

Faith is vital in beginning a new life in Christ and continues with that essential practice during our entire life.

 When things are running smooth, we can let our faith relax, and then our guard slips and we get careless. Then, when a trial lands on our doorstep and opens the door for all types of half-truths, mixed truths of heavenly living being invaded by earthy thinking, that raises doubts in our beliefs. 

“The just shall live by faith, but if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him.” Let’s get to know the PERSON of Christ with whom our faith must live in a close relationship. 

Overcome The World

“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.  

Nourishment For Growth

“As newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby.” I Peter 2:2

 

The Gospel is preached, – the heart, soul, and spirit are awakened – a new life is born. New life must have nourishment to grow. What are the problems that keep a little one from growing? Let’s give some thought to what is needed for newborn babes in Christ.  

Being an Overcomer

 “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.  

A New Life

 

“If anyone be IN CHRIST, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, ALL things have become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17

 

Not knowing who you are as a person being here in time and wondering what your purpose is, can upset our thinking, creating insecurities, and stress our personalities. 

Christ already has the problem solved for those that want to be in the family of God, now and forever.

Life without Christ causes us to search to find a substitute that never brings satisfaction, so we keep searching for life’s meaning. Today, we hope to clarify this issue with a solid solution that comes through A New Life.