Tag: mentoring

Podcasts Woman to Woman

Overcoming Adversity

“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?

 

Mentoring Matters Podcasts

Victory Over Circumstances

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 12:30 — 28.6MB)

“Count it all joy when you fall into various trials” James 1:2

 

 

Now, where is the logic and wisdom from rational thinking with this verse? Normally we avoid trials at all costs,s not with all joy. We look for the quickest escape route to return to “normal.” We fail to reflect on the wisdom of the Word that tells us many times that the JOY of the Lord is your strength, which is exactly what you need when in over your head with testing and temptations. Fear and anxiety take over our brainwaves as we look to our own abilities to solve the problem.

We are blessed with Biblical wisdom as the only means that teaches us how to pass through a crisis, become stronger, and actually profit from the challenges. Encountering unknowns in life develops character, if knowing the facts, we choose faith over fear. Unknowns are a course in the school of life that we must all attend. Today, how do we respond to these words of wisdom?

Podcasts Woman to Woman

The Point of Return

“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. 

Mentoring Matters Podcasts

Examine Your Faith

Podcast: Play in new window | Download (Duration: 12:30 — 28.6MB)

“Examine yourselves to see whether you are in the faith; test yourselves.” 2 Corinthians 13:5 

 

When we are fretful, full of anger, anxiety, withdrawn, isolated by choice, and no hunger for God’s Word, it is time to stop, examine and evaluate:

Are the facts based on the Bible or my opinions of what I think is true?

Are the facts being lived out, by faith, in trusting the Lord as my FINAL AUTHORITY, and is He the FOCUS of my Faith?

Are my feelings operating true to THE FAITH that controls my daily choices?

TODAY, listen to biblical wisdom on why examining your thinking “heart” will keep your life from spiraling out of control.

Mentoring Matters Podcasts

Where is the Bridge?

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

“When all that generation had been gathered to their fathers, another generation arose after them who did not know the Lord nor the work He did for Israel.” Judges 2:10

Bridges connect us with where we have been and where we are going. This is true
in the physical world, so it is true in the spiritual eternal world. Without bridges
connecting the history of the past, we do not know how to learn from the past
and repeat the blunders of bad choices.
In Judges 2:10-11 we are told that a new generation arose who did not know the
Lord nor the work which He had done for Israel. There was no one that cared
enough to be a “bridge” to mentor and educate. The result was ruin to individuals
and a nation. Are we walking in those same blind paths?
Stop and pause with us as we examine the consequences of neglect to DO as God
commanded, especially since he provided the means and provisions to fulfill His
calling. We have been given an eternal mission for here and now. Be a bridge
builder.

Podcasts Woman to Woman

Knowing the Presence of God

“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.
What about those that have concerns and awareness for others, already doing acts of kindness, but then crisis comes calling at their front door? Whether it is through sickness, death, loss, injustice and persecution how should we deal? Our natural focus turns from others to ourselves in most cases:
We are not left in the dark as the book of Job gives illustrations, instructions, and examples of what to do and NOT to do. Can we hear and see God’s purpose in allowing such calamity? Let’s explore the book of Job to learn how he discovered the purpose of his trials – as he lost it all – but gained Knowing the Presence of God.
Mentoring Matters Podcasts

A Famine in the Land

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

“The days are coming when I will send a famine in the land, not of bread, nor thirst of water, but of hearing the words of the Lord.” Amos 8:11

 

Why would God want to make hearing the Word a famine?

Perhaps we no longer desire TRUTH as spiritual food, or we only want “food” that satisfies, tastes good, and comforts us without nourishing and healing.

Today, information alone is being called truth, but who can trust the truth that can change? The Word of God is being discredited by many as the real source of “TRUTH FOOD.” Only God’s Truth does not change and is the sole source that we can trust. However, it is even being rejected as having correct information.

Follow along with us as we look into the famine in our hearts and understand the famine in our land.

Podcasts Woman to Woman

Crucified with Christ

“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. 

 

   

Podcasts Woman to Woman

That I May Know Him

“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. 

Mentoring Matters Podcasts

Christ’s Character

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

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavily laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28

 

To labor and be heavy burdened are two descriptions of our conditions that most are facing in one area or another. This can be applied to the physical, emotional, and soul – influencing our spirits.

Culture is telling us to have third-party encounters with one another through some device that offers opinions and information for man-made solutions. My question is – “Would Jesus walking on earth advise people to learn of Him through someone else, no matter how sincere?”

He wants direct communion with each of us, whether as His children needing His comfort and care or as a person controlled by fears needing Him for life itself.

In both cases, there is only one judge to know how to offer rest to our souls that are seeking a reliable source – God himself. The first step – is to come.

Podcasts Woman to Woman

The Cross is the Secret to Life and Liberty

“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. 

Mentoring Matters Podcasts

Examine Ourselves

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

“Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test Yourselves.” 1 Corinthians 13:5

 

We have an age-old problem – a portion of the Christian community lacks the
discipline to look at our lives with discernment. We want to be given the Truth in
ways that do not cause upset to our current way of thinking. If that be the case,
then how do we “gear up” to grow in grace and knowledge? How do we learn to
love? As we examine our hearts today, will you do the same that we will be able
to stand aright and tight in these difficult days?

Podcasts Woman to Woman

The Cross Provides Complete Freedom

“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.

Mentoring Matters Podcasts

Growing to Discern

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

“Exercise yourself toward godliness” 1 Timothy 4:7-10

 

Godliness can begin with physically taking care of the body through exercise. Our bodies are temporal temples and exercise does require discipline, training, being faithful, and even requires some sweat. Those same qualities are also needed in knowing and understanding the wisdom the Lord Jesus taught for living a life of godliness. 

Let’s compare how the short-term examples of exercise are a long-term guide to the benefits of godliness.

Podcasts Woman to Woman

The Cross Beyond Salvation

“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!