Tag: spiritual growth

Podcasts Woman to Woman

Standing Strong in the Face of Judgment

 “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.  

Mentoring Matters Podcasts

Friendship with the Father

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

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

 

Friendships made real are cemented in love. The sharing, the desire to be together, the willingness to sacrifice for others, and the same objectives with the same goals are all afforded us when we respond to the drawing of the Father’s heart desiring friendship with each of us.

Knowing each other’s thinking, hopes, dreams, plans, wants, and needs are just a few qualities that develop in a lasting friendship.  TRUST comes after the knowing is mature. Intimacy is earned. Friendships should never be taken for granted, our relationships cannot be half-hearted or conditional, and friendships must be genuine – no cover-up. If those qualities appeal to you then invite The Lord Jesus Christ to be your friend by the tenderness of His Spirit.    

Podcasts Woman to Woman

Magnify the Almighty Son of God

“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. 

Mentoring Matters Podcasts

Divine Directive of Friendship

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

 “A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24

 

Being a true friend that stays by your side can require some character development in the relationship. Sometimes words of correction are needed to remove blind spots in thinking. Sometimes special support is needed when your friend has made some wrong choices and is struggling to overcome guilt. There are so many different ways to express the heart of a true friend that brings a closeness of comfort, confidence, and calmness. Let’s take a little time today to review the benefits of being a friend, especially to our greatest friend of all, The Lord Jesus. 

Podcasts Woman to Woman

Decoys of Deception

 “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. 

Mentoring Matters Podcasts

The Language of Friendship

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

“A man who has friends must himself be friendly, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” Proverbs 18:24

 

As we build relationships, even from early childhood, we find that issues that draw us together are not always because of personality appeal. For a Christian, the hand of God is placing one another into positions that will further His plan for each life and how that plan will bring glory to Him, not just someone we can enjoy because of comfort or convenience. We learn as time progresses that a true friend will always be loyal and will “SUPPORT YOUR STRENGTHS AND SHORE UP YOUR WEAKNESS.”

 A true friend will be willing to care with kindness, even in difficult places, without feeling burdened by unusual challenges. Sometimes friendships extend outside the “family” connection as brothers and sisters in Christ because one “outside the family circle” needs to be drawn and welcome into those everlasting ties.  Expand your meditation time with how you can add a friend to your family. 

Podcasts Woman to Woman

Walking in the Spirit

“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.  

Mentoring Matters Podcasts

Grieving and Quenching the Holy Spirit

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

“Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” Ephesians 4:30

 

When we choose to ignore the plain simple commands to obey, in love, what is taught in the Scriptures we grieve and can quench the Holy Spirit’s working in our lives. He will no longer support us in our poor choices but wants to restore us if we will REPENT and follow His leading. 

Confess in agreement that we are out of step with Him and REPENT, turn around, and change our direction in thinking and actions. Failing to respond to these matters leaves us in self-dependency traveling in a danger zone of doubt, denial, and disobedience. Come visit with us as we chat about the downfall of ignoring the Truth and Grieving the Spirit.    

Podcasts Woman to Woman

Compromise with the 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. 

 

Mentoring Matters Podcasts

Keeping the Spirit Strong

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

“The spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness, but who can bear a broken spirit?” Proverbs 18:4

 

We probably do not give much thought that our spirit can be a tool for fighting sickness in the soul and body – an actual healing tool for getting well. With that same thought we are told when our spirits are broken, and torn apart, focusing on the overwhelming circumstances and losses may contribute to the breaking down of our health and wellness.  What grace for our Designer and Creator to have built into our body systems strength to fight against what damages and destroys.

Today, let’s see and hear what makes and keeps a strong spirit. The Word of God reveals what may be hidden to many people searching for real solutions. 

 

Podcasts Woman to Woman

Promises to Overcomers

“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.  

Mentoring Matters Podcasts

Evidence of Self-Denial

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

Then He said to them ALL, “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me.” Luke 9:23

 

On the surface, these words are not the most soothing to hear in wanting to grow as a Christian. We think we have a good standard of what our lives should look like, but the Lord knows the depths of hidden threats that will rob us of the best. Thank goodness we do not have to lean on our own understanding.

 How does one die to self? Join us today, as we expose examples, explanations, and evidence of a life that “Dies Daily to self.”  When we appropriate the impossible made possible through the Lord Jesus and the power of His Spirit, the results are strength and joy unspeakable and full of glory for whatever comes. 

 

Podcasts Woman to Woman

Promises from Persecution

“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.

 

Mentoring Matters Podcasts

Pressure From the Potter’s Hand

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

“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations.” Jeremiah 1:5

 

In that one sentence, we have a mini-view of why we are here on earth at this appointed time and place. God told Jeremiah I am responsible for your very life for a special purpose, he was set apart. The path Jeremiah was to walk included times of trials and pressure. To prepare us for God’s BEST, He may place us on the Potter’s wheel as he sculpts and fashions us for why we were born and formed. Hard times are simply the pressures from the Potter’s hand in reshaping us as a lump of clay so that nothing can mar the vessel He is making. Today, if you are feeling pressed, be aware that good matters are at work in the vessel He is preparing. Today, make sure you are pliable in the Potter’s Hand.

Podcasts Woman to Woman

Our Calling to Suffer

“…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. 

Mentoring Matters Podcasts

Victory in Attitude

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

“In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.” I Thessalonians 5:18 

 

With the upside-down world, we are daily confronted giving thanks for our circumstances is posing more and more of a challenge with many new pressures. Romans 8:37-39 is TRUTH  His Word can be trusted. How do we choose to respond to difficulties in our thinking THAT CONTROL our attitudes? Let’s visit about VICTORY IN ATTITUDES.  

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. 

 

   

Mentoring Matters Podcasts

Looking in a Mirror

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“But we Christians have no veil over our faces; we can be mirrors that brightly reflect the glory of the Lord.” 2 Corinthians 3:18

 

If we want to check our growth in Christian living through practical means, we can look at our personality, temperament, actions, and attitudes. Do they reflect in a mirror the image of who God says He is?  Can a person say there is something different about us? Can they see Christ “in us”? As the Spirit is cleaning and cleansing our life, we may reflect the character we all long to express – the Life of Jesus.

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!

Mentoring Matters Podcasts

Defining Discernment

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“Judge not that you be not judged” Matthew 7:1

 

Word matter and the way you use them can change a whole conversation.  We can never “judge” the person for condemnation, that belongs to God alone.

We are commanded to discern a person’s behavior, words, actions. We are exhorted to discern and deal with obvious sinful lifestyles.

Today’s conversation will help decipher when to discern, but not Judge. 

Podcasts Woman to Woman

Benefits of the Cross

“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.” 

 

Mentoring Matters Podcasts

Examine All Things

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

“Test all things; hold fast what is good.” 1 Thessalonians 2:21

 

This mandate is in a list of requirements for being set apart to discern the current “teaching” of the day. They were to discern what was written and spoken was the truth or popular opinion, just words of men.

We still battle that same problem today with volumes of information coming out each day to “better ourselves” but may not be according to Scripture. Many apply their testing of all things according to logic, reason, history, or worldly opinions. 

Our review today offers guidance in checking matters out from the ability to discern right from wrong. Join us!

Podcasts Woman to Woman

Love Leads to Repentance

”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!

Mentoring Matters Podcasts

Building Blocks

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

“For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to blindness, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.” 2 Peter 1:9

 

Life can start with wonderful words of wisdom and affirmation that the God we
have trusted is giving us grace and peace. His divine power is drawing our hearts
to be conformed to His image.
He supplies us with an outline of what is needed, step by step, in case we forget
our provisions and remain as “newborns.” We will grow like a weaned child with
his mother so our soul will be calmed and quieted so that God’s true love will
govern our lives.

Podcasts Woman to Woman

Personal Call to Repentance

“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. 

Mentoring Matters Podcasts

Adding Virtue

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

“Giving all diligence add to your faith virtue, to virtue knowledge” 2 Peter 1:5

 

This little nugget of truth tucked away in the progressive path of growth is a command to be fully committed to faith in the Lord Jesus Christ; for without faith, it is impossible to please God. Once our faith is established the first attribute is to add Virtue, even before knowledge. 

Now, why should we acquire the quality of virtue before adding knowledge? Seems like the opposite would be true. Join our discussion today to see the importance of knowing:

 What virtue is,

 How to recognize if we understand the characteristics,

If we are applying or just sliding by the best we can with the “facts.”

Podcasts Woman to Woman

What That Day Reveals

“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.

Mentoring Matters Podcasts

Walking Worthy

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

“I, therefore, a prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called.” Ephesians 4:1

 

Life is not to be lived in a sloppy casual indifference of selfish indulgence. This
approach is not limited to any age group. We do expect, as growth and training
take place, to see a maturity in thinking and knowing how to make good
decisions.
The calling is already given to us and now, own up to the appointment in being
faithful. Chapter 4 suggest the manner in making known to others what is real in
us. Check it out!

Podcasts Woman to Woman

Types of Sin

“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.

Mentoring Matters Podcasts

These are Hard Sayings

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“If anyone does not come to ME and does not hate this father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple.” Luke 14:26

 

Now that is really a hard saying about what love is all about. Words have meanings and without hearing the heart of the speaker we can certainly come to the wrong conclusions.
we all like to hear soft sayings that bring comfort and make the heart happy, but we draw back when tough words are spoken. How can we find joy and purpose in hard sayings? Let’s talk!

Podcasts Woman to Woman

Precepts to Encouragement

“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.

Mentoring Matters Podcasts

The Shepherd’s Voice

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

“The sheep hear His voice; and He calls His own sheep by name and leads them out.” John 10:3

 

The Shepherd’s Voice brings assurance and security when we hear Him speak.
There are times in our walk where certain unknowns produce uncertain emotions
that confuse hearing. Fear will slip in and replace the sheep’s ability to listen to
the Shepherd.
Fear has many entanglements, and we get caught up in confusion, never realizing
fear has replaced faith. Today there is a way to keep this from happening. Let’s
prepare to repair the damage fear does when it controls our hearts.

Podcasts Woman to Woman

The Encourager

“Now we exhort you, brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak be patient with all.” I Thessalonians 5:14

 

 

There are different ways of encouragement, some offering warmth and comfort.
Other opportunities may stretch our soul and emotions, however, it is necessary if
we are to have healthy growth in our walk with the Lord.
Today, come explore with us some different aspects of being an encourager!

Mentoring Matters Podcasts

I Am Loved

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

“With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” Psalms 119: 10-11

 

How do you hide something in the heart? Romans 12 give us a clue – Renew your
mind in the mind of God – His word.
Why? Because only there can we find our purpose in life as we have been made
and how He wants to fashion us into being a part of His family. Our lives need to
be programmed for acts of being set apart serving while living here.
John 17 tells the purpose of our being a family in prayer between God the
Father and God the Son. Join us as we discuss their conversation.

Podcasts Woman to Woman

The Good Shepherd

“The Lord is my shepherd: I shall not want.” Psalms 23:1

 

 

Many times, when challenging circumstances are put in our path we immediately
seek some pain killers, change directions and try to escape. We are not ready to
learn a life lesson.
The Great Shepherd knows exactly what we need and how to provide the
solutions that bring relief to us and glory to His loving and faithful care. Life is not
all about us, but Psalms 23 greatly reveals to all the steadfast and everlasting love
the Father has for those sheep that are His. Can you identify with Him as your
Protector?

Mentoring Matters Podcasts

Christ’s Character

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

“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.

Podcasts Woman to Woman

The Father’s Heart

“His divine power has given us ALL things that pertain to life” 2 Peter 1: 3-7 – the
goal is love.

 

 

What the world needs now is love sweet love so goes a song. Looking around and listening to news sources, social media comments and each other’s conversation, I think we all could agree. The problem appears to be we have established our own interpretation of love and our report cards, in most cases, reflect poor grades. Why, oh Why??
Examine the outline in verses 4-7 of 2 Peter chapter 1 and see what class you may need to enroll in to live life in love.