Tag: mentoring

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

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon look at what it means to “know” Jesus as they examine Philippians Chapter 3.

Paul writes this letter to the saints in Philippi from prison. In this part of the letter, we find perseverance being expressed.

Once a relationship with the Lord is developed, then it takes perseverance from whatever prison you might be in to move on in growing in that relationship. All relationships take time, effort, interest, care, compassion, patience, etc. and definitely perseverance.

“Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not troublesome, but for you, it is safe” Philippians 3:1.

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon move to Philippians Chapter 3 where Paul perseveres with the saints in Philippi. He reminds them of the things he has told them before. He shares with them the importance of pressing ahead and to keep God first in their life. He encourages them to rejoice in Jesus Christ, for He is the source of their joy.  You can be an earthbound Christian or a heaven-bound Christian; that is a choice we are given to make. The time that we have on this earth is the boot training camp where we are being trained on how the Lord has called us.

“If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any compassion and mercies, fulfill you my joy, that you be like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind” Philippians 2:1-2.

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon move into Philippians Chapter Two where Paul shares some principles for Christian living from prison. This letter reveals a unity of love that Paul feels for the saints in Philippi.

Paul is sharing these principles so that the saints will be encouraged to care for one another. We can care for others with our prayers. We can be sensitive to the needs of others by understanding things from their perspective. Unity comes through the fellowship of the Spirit in these ways; prayer, sensitivity, comfort, love, and compassion. Let our joy be filled with all love.

Sharon shares a little more about the struggles she is facing with her diagnosis of cancer and moving forward with the cure through chemo.

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon look at Philippians Chapter One and the prayers Paul shares from his prison cell.

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon continue their discussion on Philippians Chapter One and the prayers Paul shares from prison. The saints at Philippi are learning to boldly speak out as they see the way Paul is handling his circumstances in chains.

They are praying for Paul and their prayers are giving him strength, so they are sharing in the suffering with Paul for his deliverance.

Many of the circumstances that we face in life are not easy roads to travel but when we can suffer to the glory of God others are strengthened and encouraged to boldly stand in Christ. When we pray for each other through the trials, then we participate in their deliverance. How sweet it is when the saints work together in unity of Christ.

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon look at Philippians Chapter One and the prayers Paul shares from his prison cell.

We can have joy in every trial that we go through as we allow God to give us the strength to endure them. The sweetness of joy can overflow into our situation because of the promises we have in Christ. There is nothing more excellent than what the Cross of Christ has done for us. As we look at our situations in light of Paul’s words we can find the same hope he had from whatever “prison cell” we may be facing. Sharon shares her diagnosis of breast cancer and all that the Lord is teaching her along the way.

“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints” Ephesians 6:18

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon continue with the discussion on the armor of God. Prayer is a part of the Armor. It’s not just about having a conversation with God; it’s about allowing God to be a part of every moment of our lives.

For those of us who have unknowns and pain there is a bigger picture of eternity where we can put our focus, knowing that we will all receive praise at the Judgment Seat of Christ.  No matter what happens, God can take what is meant for evil and turn it around for our good when we allow God, in prayer, to encourage us, sustain us, fulfill us, and to take each difficult step along the way.

There was nothing Job did to deserve affliction. He did not displease God. He was not full of sin. He did not get angry with God during his affliction. Job did not base his relationship with God on the blessings he received. Let’s try to look at our situation, struggles, trials and tribulations from heaven’s perspective. It’s not easy to change our perspective while in the midst of a battle, but with prayer and renewing of our mind, God can help us to see the bigger picture.

“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints” Ephesians 6:18.

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon wrap up the Armor of God with Prayer. The final part of the Armor is prayer; it is the “glue” that holds all the pieces in place. We need more than just head knowledge; we need to be able to apply prayer in our lives. Since we don’t wrestle against flesh and blood, prayers need to go up on our own behalf so that we don’t wrestle within our own selves. Take thoughts captive and renew our mind in His word. Discussing the “Seven Wonders of Prayer” we find some reminders of Gods greatness.

1. There is no promise too hard for God to fulfill.
2. There is no prayer too hard for God to answer.
3. There is no problem too hard for God to solve.
4. There is no place (town or city) too difficult for God to move and revive.
5. There is no heart too hard for God to break.
6. There is no season of time too hard for God to repeat.
7. There is no prophecy too hard for God to fulfill. Every prophecy has been given to us in a promise.

“Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” Ephesians 6:16-17.

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon continue their discussion on the Armor of God. This second part focuses on the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. Ephesians Chapters 1-3 tells what the character of Christ has done for us. Ephesians Chapters 4-5 shows us how we can tell if we are appropriating the character of Christ. Now, in Ephesians 6, to activate is simple: We are in Christ, He is our all in all, so the weapons of our warfare is not something we go pull out of a drawer, or obtain in our own strength; it’s putting on Him, it’s putting on life. Satan’s power was completely broken at Calvary and we are blessed to have that breaking because now Satan has no power over us. (Romans 6:6).

“Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” Ephesians 6:11.

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon expose some of the subtle ways the devil is tricking us. We don’t have to fall for his lies, we don’t have to surrender in defeat because we have access to the power of God and His armor is available to us; all we have to do is put on His armor and march forward in His power. We give the devil more credit than he deserves and too much say in our lives. We don’t have to sit in defeat and say “the devil has me down”! It’s time to get the Armor of God on and be the warriors we have been called to be.

“Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks” Luke 6:45

This week on Sharin Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon tackle the little member of our body that is hard to tame – the tongue. Taming the tongue is a challenge that we all face, probably on a daily basis. It requires constant monitoring and careful discipline.

The heart is the center of who we are, what we think, how we express and choose. Our beliefs, in our nation, in our culture, even in our church are changing. The beliefs and principles that we once held so dear are now being thrown in the trash and considered outdated, ignorant, and narrow-minded.

A few years ago, Judge Robert Bork wrote a book called Slouching Toward Gomorrah, but today, it seems that we are not slouching but running a race of endurance with the greatest deception, division, and moral decay. Our beliefs are the beginning of what will eventually come out of our mouth because they come from the heart of who we are. If we filter everything through God’s word then we would be able to better tame our tongue.

“That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perishes, though it be tried with fire, might be found to praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ” 1 Peter 1:7

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon discuss how adversity and trials compare to the purifying of gold. How we handle the fire could determine if we end up with a wounded heart or a broken heart. Developing Christ-like character comes through the fire of adversities and trials. It seems that it would be a sweeter life if we didn’t have to go through the fire of adversity and trials. However, without the fire, life would be filled with many little impurities. Some of them are so small that we don’t even know they exist until they rise to the top in the heat.

“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. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies: You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever” Psalm 23

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon are talking through Psalm 23. In six short verses, we almost get a “how to” course for how the Lord wants us to live. We are sheep, sometimes we do act out of character, but the Lord calls us sheep and He is our shepherd. We find strength and comfort, guidance and understanding when we get alone with God. David was obedient to learning in isolation.  If you have been set aside then it can be a blessing to hear God more clearly.

The Shepherd is always present in the valley He has called you to walk. He is equipped to bring you through the valley in safety. He is carrying you so don’t give up. Personalize these verses to make them real for you every day. God is the Good Shepherd.

“The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb” Psalm 19:7-10.

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon continue their discussion on how to encourage each other without wounding each other. They focus on the encourager and talk about what it takes to be an encourager to others.

They talk about the life of St. Patrick and how he was kidnapped as a young man and enslaved as a shepherd. There is a great comparison to the life of King David as a shepherd; they both grew close to the Lord in the shepherd’s field.

It is a great lesson for us to find a place that we can call our “Shepherd’s Field” and get alone with God. We will find that we can be encouraged by the Lord and filled up with Him before we go try to share Him with others.

“To the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He has made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace” Ephesians 1:6-7.

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon focus on the wounded saints. Wounded people sometimes have a hard time reconciling the way scripture instructs us. Spiritually, we can be admitted to the hospital where we can end up fighting the “treatment” or we can follow the orders that God gives us in order to get well and free.

Many times when we are wounded by other Christians, it causes us to not trust God; whether we are looking to that person as a reflection of God or we are looking for God to reflect in them. So, it is vital that we understand that learning to trust will increase the recovery time.

And, as always, forgiveness is key to overcoming wounds and moving forward in the victory of life. A great resource for forgiveness is www.forgivingforward.com.

“To the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He has made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace” Ephesians 1:6-7.

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon discuss the ways we can encourage without wounding the person in which we are attempting to encourage. We can all relate to this topic either by being the wounded or being the one who has wounded.

Remembering where the encouragement comes from is the key. Our own words will not help encourage anyone. Our own love toward them is insufficient. Our own perception will be skewed. Sharing God’s words with God’s love as we see people through God’s eyes. He is our hope and our comfort so through Him we can share both.

It’s easy to get caught up in what we “think” should be done but only by prayer can we know that we are doing what’s best in everything.

“…be at peace among yourselves. Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the faint-hearted, support the weak, be patient toward all men. See that none of you render evil for evil to any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men” 1 Thessalonians 5:13-15.

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon discuss the heart of God in encouragement. Sometimes encouragement means that we should warn others of the danger of their actions, attitude, words, etc. Sometimes encouragement means upholding the weak or comforting the faint-hearted. An encourager must know how to discern when to warn, uphold, and comfort. Encouragers can help bring healing to an individual and to the body of Christ. The purpose is to keep the unity of believers together with God.

“O Lord, You have searched me, and known me. You know my downsitting and my uprising, You understand my thought afar off” Psalm 139:1-2.

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon tackle the three O’s of God’s character (Omniscient, Omnipresent, & Omnipotent) which are His natural attributes. The all-knowing, ever-present, power of God gives us confidence in His ability to work in our lives. “Where shall I go from Your Spirit? or where shall I flee from Your Presence?” David writes in Psalm 139:7. We can count on God to be with us at all times. God knows our thoughts even when we can’t describe how we feel. When situations and circumstances are beyond our control, we can trust God has the power to make everything work for good.  It is important that we recognizing God in our life so we don’t reject what He has to offer.

“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” Psalm 23:1-2.

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon discuss the heart of God as provider and protector of His flock.

Focusing on God as Shepherd in our life, Janie shares some interesting facts about how a shepherd cares for sheep that we can all relate to as God’s sheep.

It is important to cry out to the Good Shepherd for the things we need. We can find healing in the Word of God; it will supply all that we need. However, we tend to seek comfort from other sources (food, shopping, liquor, friends) before we cry out to the Lord for help in our struggles.

“And beside this, giving all diligence, add to you faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge” 2 Peter 1:5

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon discuss who God is according to scripture. We all tend to have an idea of who we would like for God to be in our lives but it is important to remember the truth of His real character.

In relating to God as Father, most of us compare His qualities to those we have seen in our own earthly father. If he was distant, we see God as distant. If he was passive, we see God as passive; and so on.

When we know what God looks like we are more likely to recognize Him when He shows up in our lives.  We sometimes have a perception of God that does not match who God really is, so the truth about His characteristics can bring us into a closer relationship with Him.

The relationship “test” is available to download.

“I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus” Philippians 3:14

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon continue in Philippians Chapter 3 where Paul is sharing perseverance from prison.

Paul is saying that we can have something that is out of the norm here on earth if we are willing to go for the prize and the priority that Jesus Christ called us to.

He also gives us warnings that it will cost us something to be in the race. There is a sacrifice that goes along with reaching the goal and receiving the prize.

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

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon look at what it means to “know” Jesus as they examine Philippians Chapter 3.

Paul writes this letter to the saints in Philippi from prison. In this part of the letter, we find perseverance being expressed.

Once a relationship with the Lord is developed, then it takes perseverance from whatever prison you might be in to move on in growing in that relationship. All relationships take time, effort, interest, care, compassion, patience, etc. and definitely perseverance.

“Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you, to me indeed is not troublesome, but for you it is safe” Philippians 3:1.

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon move to Philippians Chapter 3 where Paul perseveres with the saints in Philippi. He reminds them of the things he has told them before. He shares with them the importance of pressing ahead and to keep God first in their life. He encourages them to rejoice in Jesus Christ, for He is the source of their joy.  You can be an earthbound Christian or a heaven-bound Christian; that is a choice we are given to make. The time that we have on this earth is the boot training camp where we are being trained on how the Lord has called us.

“Do all things without murmurings and disputings: That you may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom you shine as lights in the world; Holding forth the word of life” Philippians 2:14-16. 

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon continue their discussion in Philippians Chapter 2 where Paul shares principles for Christian living from prison.

There are many times that we are bound by chains that are not necessarily physical. It can be health issues, financial circumstances, or any number of situations that cause us to feel like we are in a prison. Paul gives us an example to live; in that although he was in chains, he still encouraged those around him.

It’s not always easy to wear a happy face when struggles are so difficult but when we spend time with the Lord and know what He thinks toward us, we can have hope and joy in the midst of those struggles.

Remember that Christianity is a journey we live out each day; growing, maturing, and working out our own salvation with fear and trembling.

“If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any compassion and mercies, fulfill you my joy, that you be like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind” Philippians 2:1-2.

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon move into Philippians Chapter Two where Paul shares some principles for Christian living from prison. This letter reveals a unity of love that Paul feels for the saints in Philippi.

Paul is sharing these principles so that the saints will be encouraged to care for one another. We can care for others with our prayers. We can be sensitive to the needs of others by understanding things from their perspective. Unity comes through the fellowship of the Spirit in these ways; prayer, sensitivity, comfort, love, and compassion. Let our joy be filled with all love.

Sharon shares a little more about the struggles she is facing with her diagnosis of cancer and moving forward with the cure through chemo.

“According to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life, or by death” Philippians 1:20.

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon continue their discussion on Philippians Chapter One and the prayers Paul shares from prison. The saints at Philippi are learning to boldly speak out as they see the way Paul is handling his circumstances in chains.

They are praying for Paul and their prayers are giving him strength, so they are sharing in the suffering with Paul for his deliverance.

Many of the circumstances that we face in life are not easy roads to travel but when we can suffer to the glory of God others are strengthened and encouraged to boldly stand in Christ. When we pray for each other through the trials, then we participate in their deliverance. How sweet it is when the saints work together in unity of Christ.

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon look at Philippians Chapter One and the prayers Paul shares from his prison cell.

We can have joy in every trial that we go through as we allow God to give us strength to endure them. The sweetness of joy can overflow into our situation because of the promises we have in Christ. There is nothing more excellent than what the Cross of Christ has done for us. As we look at our situations in light of Paul’s words we can find the same hope he had from whatever “prison cell” we may be facing. Sharon shares her diagnosis of breast cancer and all that the Lord is teaching her along the way.

“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints” Ephesians 6:18

Prayer is a part of the Armor. It’s not just about having a conversation with God; it’s about allowing God to be a part of every moment of our lives.

For those of us who have unknowns and pain there is a bigger picture of eternity where we can put our focus, knowing that we will all receive praise at the Judgment Seat of Christ.  No matter what happens, God can take what is meant for evil and turn it around for our good when we allow God, in prayer, to encourage us, sustain us, fulfill us, and to take each difficult step along the way.

There was nothing Job did to deserve affliction. He did not displease God. He was not full of sin. He did not get angry with God during his affliction. Job did not base his relationship with God on the blessings he received. Let’s try to look at our situation, struggles, trials and tribulations from heaven’s perspective. It’s not easy to change our perspective while in the midst of a battle, but with prayer and renewing of our mind, God can help us to see the bigger picture.

“Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints” Ephesians 6:18.

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon wrap up the Armor of God with Prayer. The final part of the Armor is prayer; it is the “glue” that holds all the pieces in place. We need more than just head knowledge; we need to be able to apply prayer in our lives. Since we don’t wrestle against flesh and blood, prayers need to go up on our own behalf so that we don’t wrestle within our own selves. Take thoughts captive and renew our mind in His word. Discussing the “Seven Wonders of Prayer” we find some reminders of Gods greatness. 1. There is no promise too hard for God to fulfill. 2. There is no prayer too hard for God to answer. 3. There is no problem too hard for God to solve. 4. There is no place (town or city) too difficult for God to move and revive. 5. There is no heart too hard for God to break. 6. There is no season of time too hard for God to repeat. 7. There is no prophecy too hard for God to fulfill. Every prophecy has been given to us in a promise.

“Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God” Ephesians 6:16-17.

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon continue their discussion on the Armor or God. This second part focuses on the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit. Ephesians Chapters 1-3 tells what the character of Christ has done for us. Ephesians Chapters 4-5 shows us how we can tell if we are appropriating the character of Christ. Now, in Ephesians 6, to activate is simple: We are in Christ, He is our all in all, so the weapons of our warfare is not something we go pull out of a drawer, or obtain in our own strength; it’s putting on Him, it’s putting on life. Satan’s power was completely broken at Calvary and we are blessed with that breaking (Satan has no power over us) Romans 6:6.

“Put on the whole armor of God that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” Ephesians 6:11.

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon expose some of the subtle ways the devil is tricking us. We don’t have to fall for his lies, we don’t have to surrender in defeat because we have access to the power of God and His armor is available to us; all we have to do is put on His armor and march forward in His power. We give the devil more credit than he deserves and too much say in our lives. We don’t have to sit in defeat and say “the devil has me down”! It’s time to get the Armor of God on and be the warriors we have been called to be.

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil” Ephesians 6:10-11.

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon continue their discussion on the Holy Spirit in Prayer and Warfare. No one likes the idea of war, but since we are in a battle, we need the power to fight and that power is of God. To have the power of God we need to know the precious promises, how to put on the Armor so we can withstand the wiles of the devil, and to know, reckon, and apply the work of the Cross for us and in us. Afflictions are no excuse for not being a Warrior for Jesus Christ. He gives us marching orders, but we don’t have to take those alone, in our own strength, we take them within the power of God, in His strength, and that’s how we can win the battle. Let’s stop surrendering to the enemy and giving him ground in our lives. Instead, let’s surrender to God and take back the ground that belongs to us and fight within the power of God.   Let’s get our armor on, our weapon in hand, and march into battle prepared. The Wiles of the Enemy teaching handout.

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Wherefore take to you the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand” Ephesians 6:12-13.

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon discuss the Holy Spirit in Prayer and Warfare. No one likes to go to war! There is a different level of awareness that is required in warfare situations that is not faced on the home front. Yet, if we really take a good hard look at our life we might find that we are surrounded by the enemy, and we’re taking on fire. We don’t know where to find cover or how to get our armor on. It seems easier to surrender in defeat and ask God why He allowed such an attack. Let’s think about customizing our Christianity to the specs God has given. Let’s get our armor on, our weapon in hand, and march into battle prepared.

“But when the Comforter (Holy Spirit) is come whom I will send to you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth, which proceeds from the Father, He shall testify of Me” John 15:26.

Today on Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon discuss ways that the Holy Spirit bears witness. How quietness in prayer is a vital key to unlocking the power of the Holy Spirit to be active in our lives. The three “P’s” to praying effectually in the Name of Jesus (in His power and authority) are; praying with His Purpose, accept His Process, and trust in His Performance. Changing our prayer life will ultimately change our life. It’s time to stop asking for so many blessings and start asking for a few marching orders.

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

Today on Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon discuss the importance of the Holy Spirit in our lives. The Holy Spirit is in us to continue the work that Jesus began when He came. God the Father supplies our need, Jesus intercedes for us, and the Holy Spirit applies it in our life to be real. We are responsible for allowing the Holy Spirit to share with us the mind of Christ, cause us to bear witness of Christ, and prompt us to glorify God; just a few of the roles He plays in our Christian life. “Wide is the gate, and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and many there be which go in there at: because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leads to life and few there be that find it” Matthew 7:13-14.

“Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not love, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal” 1 Corinthians 13:1

Today on Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon finish up with 1 Corinthians 13 discussing agape love. Giving descriptive words to share what each characteristic would look like in practice so that we can recognize agape love or lack of it in our lives. A person’s attitude (love or lack of) will come out in actions. There are scriptures that help call us into accountability ~ Hebrews 12:14, Colossians 3:5, Proverbs 6:16-17. Psalm 106 is a must read to see the illustration of what it cost Moses due to a provoked spirit. Unforgiveness will become a root of bitterness but there are scriptures that will help us understand the importance of forgiveness ~ Colossians 3:13, Luke 17:3-4, Matthew 6:6-15. And many more characteristics are shared with verses to help us get grounded and you can find a list in the teaching handouts.

“Love envies not; love vaunts not itself, is not puffed up” 1 Corinthians 13:4.

Today on Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon continue to share what Agape Love looks like by breaking down the “love chapter” 1 Corinthians 13. This discussion has come from their topic of unconditional love being used in place of Agape love to describe how God loves us and how we should love each other. Unconditional is defined as unrestricted but no one wants a relationship without restrictions so the word “unconditional” may not be the best word choice to describe love.

Love suffers long, and is kind; love envies not; love vaunts not itself, is not puffed up” 1 Cor. 13:4.

Today on Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon discuss what agape love looks like in the verb form of agapao. Agape love is a choice from our will and not from our feelings. Our feelings can be deceptive to make us think that we are not choosing agape love simply because we may not be feeling love. Love in action (agapao) is a choice of attitude. Every attitude will have a corresponding action.

“Why behold you the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but consider not the beam that is in your own eye?” Matthew 7:3.

Today on Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon continue to explore the phrase unconditional love with the description of agape love. They find that agape is given as a gift to those that believe; apart from Jesus this kind of love is not available. This love is a choice,through our own will, to share or withhold. Knowing what the scriptures say in regards to agape love will help us make the better choice to share it rather than withhold it. It is not based on feelings or emotions but on truth.

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart, be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my strength, and my redeemer” Psalm 19:14.

Today on Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon talk about the way words have changed over the years and how we may be using some words wrong without malicious intent. Being misunderstood can be one of the most difficult communication problems that may never be rectified. It is painful and stings deeply. Words matter; how we use words matter; to bring life or death. “Death an dlife are in the power of the tongue: and they that love it shall eat the fruit thereof” Proverbs 18:21.

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

Today on Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon discuss the struggle to stand in the truth of God’s word. How have we gotten in such a mess? What have we used our tongue to promote? We are living in a day where sin is celebrated. Moral decay is taking over our hearts, spilling over into our families, and we take it to church. It is easier to fall in a roll with the flow because sometimes the current is so strong it is a fight to stand. There is a time to speak and a time to get quiet. It is a caution to weigh the thoughts through a filter of God’s word.

“A lie believed as truth will affect your life as if it were true even though it is a lie”

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

“According to the grace of God which is given to me, as a wise master-builder, I have laid the foundation, and another builds thereon. But let every man take heed how he builds thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ” 1 Corinthians 3:10-11.

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

Today on Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon discuss how to build upon the solid foundation of Jesus Christ. The daily struggles of life can take its toll on our Christian walk in applying the scriptures that will help us stand in our faith in the heat of the battle. Finding truth; which is the person Jesus Christ, will give us the right perspective in thinking to overcome many adversities. Jesus is preparing a home for us in heaven and the home He is preparing has to do with how we are living here and now. What are you sending up; gold, silver, and precious stones or wood, hay, and stubble?

“For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world 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.

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

Janie and Sharon discuss the evidence of God seen in creation. God is the creator of all things. Education and Government are setting the bar for all society to accept evolution over creation. The US Government took over all public school curriculums in the 1990’s before that each school was local. Believing a lie as truth will never make the lie true, it will only cause us to live our life on the unstable foundation of lies. God intricate design of all creation has consistency and continuity that explains why an oak tree produces an oak tree and why the seasons rotate in order.

“For the invisible things of Him from the creation of the world 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.

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

Today on Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon discuss God in Creation. It is of the greatest importance for the Lord’s children to recognize fully that, above all other things, His object is that we KNOW HIM. Through the Word, trials and testing, we learn of Him. We also need to be aware that He speaks to us through His creation. The stars, clouds, trees, moon, sky, plants, weather, mountains, the sea, the animals that He give us  all tell of His care, concern of us; His sovereignty over all of life. If you are going through a time of difficulty, then stop, look, and listen to the sights and sounds of His  creation all around us. He can comfort, teach, give and guide as we still our minds and hearts in seeing Him through His creation. Our five senses can help OR hinder knowing Him. Learn the difference in today’s discussion.

“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.