Tag: spiritual growth

Podcasts Woman to Woman

How to Stay Joyful in Adversity

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

 

 

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, the topic of joy is discussed. Things have changed in every home all over the world. We are walking new roads, learning new skills, and facing new challenges every day. The adversities are great and with so many unknowns it can be difficult to keep fear from robbing us of any joy. Janie and Sharon want to encourage you with scriptures that will comfort your heart during whatever struggle you may be facing.

Join in the conversation as we learn how to stay joyful in adversity.

Podcasts Woman to Woman

How to Find True Joy

“You will show me the path of life: in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore” Psalm 16:11

 

 

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, the topic of joy is discussed. Janie and Sharon are feeling the effects of the current events happening around the world. A call for social distancing has caused financial hardship and overwhelming fears for many people. Social unrest and division are sweeping the nation.

At a time when things seem so bleak, how can we be joyful? When there is no peace and people are losing hope joy is nowhere to be found.

Join in the conversation as we discover how to find true joy.

 

Podcasts Woman to Woman

How to Overcome Temptations

“Blessed is the man that endures temptations: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to them that love Him” James 1:12.

 

 

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon discuss 6 different types of resources that are used as the final authority in our lives. Every person uses a final authority that they stand on for the basis of the choices they make in life. Discover how using the wrong final authority may be causing us to give into temptations that are destroying our testimony. Join in the conversation as we dig into the scriptures that will give us insight into how to overcome temptations.

Podcasts Woman to Woman

How to Overcome Doubt

“Satan sows seeds of fear so that we might reap the fruit of doubt”

 

 

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon hope to expose the many seeds of fear that are being sown into our hearts. There are many things happening right now that can cause us to be fearful and in turn, we begin to doubt God and His love for us. If we can recognize the fear that is getting into our hearts, then we can take action so that doubt does not grow. If we can also recognize doubt, then we can trace it back to a root of fear. So remember, “Satan sows seeds of fear that we might reap the fruit of doubt.” Join in the conversation as we look at how to overcome doubt.

Podcasts The Fireside Bookshelf

Don’t Waste Your Sorrows

This week on Sharin’ Hearts: The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green explores Don’t Waste Your Sorrows by Paul Billheimer

 

 

In Don’t Waste Your Sorrows Paul Billheimer considers suffering, in addition to prayer, as another aspect of the bride-elect’s training for sovereignty. God designed the system of prayer to equip or qualified her with the techniques, the skills, and the “know-how” for rulership.

 

He has further designed that suffering. which is a consequence of the fall, shall produce the character and disposition, the compassionate spirit, which will be required for rulership in a government where the law of love is supreme.

All born-again people are training for rulership. Since the supreme law of that future social order, all the kingdom of God is agape love, their apprenticeship and training are for learning the dimensions of this love. But the deep dimensions of this love are only learned in the school of suffering.

If you are interested in investing your time and energy into developing the eternal currency of agape love… then I hope you will seek out more of what Billheimer has to teach us in Don’t Waste Your Sorrows.

Podcasts The Fireside Bookshelf

Saving Christianity

This week on Sharin’ Hearts: The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green explores Saving Christianity by Michael Youssef

 

 

There is an element within the Christian community that has come to believe that Christianity must change or die and that they know what is needed in order to “save” Christianity. They proclaim that in order to save Christianity, Christians must change the core of our faith and adapt to remain relevant in order to attract younger generations.

According to one source:

If the Christian church is going to survive, it needs to develop alternative ways of viewing heaven and hell and a different way of looking at the atonement of sins through Jesus’ death on the cross. The concepts of hell and an atonement theory that requires the brutal crucifixion of Jesus before we can reconcile with God are incongruent with the concept of a God of grace. 

But is that really the case? In his book, Saving Christianity, Michael Youssef explores this train of thought and its pitfalls. For the sake of the next generation, he declares, we dare not abandon “the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people” (Jude 1:3), because it is the light for all humanity.

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How to Overcome Fear

“And when the enemy drew near, My heart filled with fear, Then I heard someone dear, Calling me to His side, And I ran under His wings, There He covered me, And now I can see, The storm still rages, Oh, but in the Rock of Ages, We’re resting warmly here, Under our Lord’s wings” Under His Wings – Hymn

 
This week on Sharin Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon are feeling the effects of the pandemic that has swept around the world. Since they have been unable to meet in the studio for conversation, they scoured their archives for topics that are relevant to our current situation. Fear is flooding many hearts as they face financial uncertainty, loss of loved ones, and isolation from friends and family. These are very difficult times but we want to be able to overcome the fear that grips and paralyzes us. There are approximately 365 verses about fear and worry in scripture. So, join in the conversation as we explore many of these verses to discover How to Overcome Fear.
Podcasts The Fireside Bookshelf

Taking Responsibility for the Choices We Make

This week on Sharin’ Hearts: The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green explores Taking Responsibility for the Choices We Make by Leighann McCoy

 

 

The concept that life is hard and some tragedy in life is to be expected has become unacceptable in our world today. Somewhere along the line, the belief that no one should ever suffer and that no rain should ever fall has been incorporated into life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. We were never promised happiness only the ability and freedom to pursue it.

 

Yet, all to often when something in our lives goes awry, when we are undone, offended, wounded, legitimately angry or somebody’s done us wrong usually the last person we hold responsible for our choices is…ourselves.

 

So, if you’ve found yourself in an unimaginable place where the goodness of God seems to have left you, and everything you thought you knew about Him and His ways has evaporated in the aftermath of the devastation you find yourself facing then come be a part… as author Leighann McCoy helps us navigate a path through the turmoil in her book, Taking Responsibility for the Choices We Make.

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Jesus Endured the Pits

“Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin” Hebrews 4:14-15

 

 

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon take a look at a time in Jesus’ life when He was enduring the pits. In Hebrews Chapter 4, we are encouraged with the knowledge that Jesus understands, from first-hand experience, the struggles we face in this world. He knows our weakness and has experienced the same temptations.

In Luke 22, we read of the time when Jesus was in the deepest pit; He is about to be arrested and sacrificed on the cross. Examining this passage of scripture, we find encouragement from Jesus as He encourages His disciples to prepare for the tough times ahead. When we are in the pits of life, we can look to His example to help us endure because we know that He, Himself, Jesus endured the pits.

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Pathway Out of The Pits

“I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined to me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings” Psalm 40:1-2.

 

 

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon journey through Psalm 40. As a society, we have been conditioned to get results instantly, from answers from a computer to meals out of a bot, so when we are in a dark place like the pits, we want instant answers and instant relief. Join in the conversation to discover 6 subcategories in a journey through Psalm 40 that will serve as a pathway out of the pits.
Podcasts The Fireside Bookshelf

Forgiving Forward

This week on Sharin’ Hearts: The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green explores Forgiving Forward by Bruce and Toni Hebel. This is not the average “forgiveness” book.  Heavy with experiences made practical and answering questions many are not even asking; makes this a life-transforming book and one that should be in your library.

 

Forgiveness is foundational to a life of faith.  It is so much more than saying, “I am sorry.”  True forgiveness will take us out of our comfort zone and required a renewing of our minds.  Our natural minds cannot work from logic and reason in this matter because it is a supernatural work provided by The Supernatural God.  We are told to forgive as Christ has forgiven us (Ephesians 4:30.) Whatever has been done to me from another’s sin nature, I have done to Christ with my sin nature. All sin, no matter the degree required Christ to go to the Cross and pay the price.  The words may be simple but the process is complex in that our hearts must be made right before God with having our speech free of corrupt communication and only for edification to the hearer, being free from grieving or quenching the Spirit and getting rid of bitterness, extreme anger for harm to another person, and other thinking that is of the flesh with corresponding negative emotions. (Ephesians 4:29-31.)

Many often quote John 8:32 “You shall know the Truth and the Truth shall set you free.”  However, there is a key to that reality being applied and that is found in the preceding verse 31, “IF you abide (to be at home)in ME and My words abide in you, THEN, knowing and applying the Truth can be made practical for necessary forgiveness releasing burden and guilt that unforgiveness carries.

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Praise From the Pits

I will greatly praise the Lord with my mouth” Psalm 109:30

 

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie Ratzlaff and Sharon Hoskins travel through the Psalms to find declarations of praise. It’s important to hide these verses in our hearts so that when we are plunged into a pit, we will have praise on our tongue. All the Psalms writers declare an absolute stand in praise, there are no conditional words found, so praise is not based on any circumstances. It’s absolute praise regardless of where they are or how they feel. Join in the conversation and discover examples that will help us praise from the pits.
Podcasts The Fireside Bookshelf

A Call for Discernment

This week on Sharin’ Hearts: The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green takes a look at A Call for Discernment by Jay Adams

 

Jay Adams in his book, A Call for Discernment: Distinguishing the Truth from Error in Today’s Church shares, that today’s church is confused. False teaching and heresy abound. Many Christians fall prey because they simply do not know how to distinguish truth from error.

Slogans are bandied about: “all truth is God’s truth.” No one in his right mind would deny that. But it is also a fact that “all error is the devil’s error.” Now, where are we? Back to square one.

We must still distinguish God’s truth from the devil’s error; sloganizing won’t do that for us. What is wrong? Why is the church so susceptible to a falsehood? How can we distinguish what teachings are truly biblical and we should follow and what teachings we should reject?

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Praying From the Pits

“I waited patiently for the Lord, and He inclined to me, and heard my cry. He brought me up also out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings” Psalm 40:1-2.

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon discuss where we can go in the scriptures to find some help when we find ourselves in the pits of life. Building our relationship of trust with God will help us when we are in the pits. Proverbs tells us that if we fret and stew it only leads to evil, so we need to condition our mind to get into a state; an attitude, and heart conviction of waiting patiently on the Lord.   It is hard to get into the scriptures but it is there that we will find freedom in our present circumstances. No one likes being in the pits but we all find ourselves there every now and then even if our life is a bowl full of cherries most of the time. Join the conversation as we dig through the scriptures to uncover tips for praying from the pits.

 

Podcasts The Fireside Bookshelf

The Case for Easter

This week on Sharin’ Hearts: The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green takes a look at The Case for Easter by Lee Strobel.

 

Of the many world religions, only one claims that its founder returned from the grave. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the very cornerstone of Christianity.

But a dead man coming back to life? In our sophisticated age, when myth has given way to science, who can take such a claim seriously? Some argue that Jesus never died on the cross. Conflicting accounts make the empty tomb seem suspect.

How credible is the evidence for the resurrection? Focusing his award-winning skills as a legal journalist on history’s most compelling enigma, Lee Strobel retraces the startling findings that led him from atheism to belief.

Come be a part as Strobel examines:

·        The medical evidence – was Jesus’s death a sham, and his resurrection a hoax?

·        The evidence of the missing body – was Jesus’s body really absent from his tomb?

·        The evidence of appearances – was Jesus really seen alive after his death on the cross?

 

Written in a hard-hitting journalistic style, The Case for Easter: A Journalist Investigates the Evidence for the Resurrection probes the core issues of the resurrection.

Jesus Christ, risen from the dead: superstitious myth or life-changing reality?

Podcasts Woman to Woman

Overcome Fears Through His Word

The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? Psalm 27:1

 

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon will explore the sneaky ways fear grips us and the amazing tools God has given us. We are all faced with fears of some sort every day.  How we respond to these fears is the key to being able to overcome them. Society uses fear tactics for selling goods and services. We fear that if we forgive someone for hurting us, then we give them an open door to do it again. Fear holds us in bondage and it is easy to allow fear to take root without realizing it. Join in the conversation as we discover how to overcome fears through His word.

Podcasts The Fireside Bookshelf

100 Bible Verses Everyone Should Know By Heart

This week on Sharin’ Hearts: The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green takes a look at 100 Bible Verses Everyone Should Know by Heart By Robert Morgan.

 

Because, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

Why? 1 Peter tells us “that we have been given great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the  world.”

Here we have the purpose, the power, and the plan for discovering what the mind of God is for His children in knowing Him.  There is nothing that can still our hearts and mind, giving quiet confidence and drawing us into His presence as hiding the promises of God within our soul.

As a child of God, we want to grow up and become disciples (learners) that desire to sit at His feet and learn of Him.  In memorizing the promises we can be pleasing to His heart and His Word brings life, comfort and hopes to us.  Take some time to focus on the promises of God and in communion with Him, ask that they are made real in your life.

Podcasts Woman to Woman

Fear Fights Faith

For God has not given us the spirit of fear, but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” 2 Timothy 1:7

 

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie Ratzlaff and Sharon Hoskins discuss the many ways fear tactics are used on us every day. We face fears in our health, fears in our relationships, fears in our finances.  News reports, social media, and commercials are all places where fear can manipulate our thoughts. Join us to find the many subtle ways that fear fights faith.

 

Podcasts The Fireside Bookshelf

Gods’s Best Secrets

This week on Sharin’ Hearts: The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green takes a look at God’s Best Secrets by Andrew Murray.

 

With all that’s currently going on around us, countless people are feeling increased concern and trepidation about our world at least for the foreseeable future. And while these thoughts are certainly normal considering all the uncertainty, we must remember to take every thought captive as instructed by the scriptures and filter all our thoughts through the lens of God’s word.

This can prove to be a challenging thing if in the midst of real or perceived chaos we are not vigilant and intentional. So, as Christians, how do we go about being alert and responsive to life’s dangers without falling into a state of “fear” which God’s clearly commands us not to do.

One of the most powerful and beneficial steps we can take is to be sure that we are immersing ourselves in God’s word daily. So, come be a part and join me in The Fireside Bookshelf Spring Book Challenge. Beginning on the first of next month, I will begin God’s Best Secrets-Devotions for the Hungry Soul by Andrew Murray.

 

This is an eight-month daily devotional journey and I hope that if you are not currently involved with another daily devotional book, you will pick up a copy and join me.

 

As many of you who are regulars to this program can attest, Andrew Murray is one of my favorite authors. And I believe his deep spiritual insights, unique perspective, and sound counsel are just what the doctor ordered for a country in the throes of uncertainty.

 

From the Scriptures, Andrew Murray found out that every Christian can expect God to reveal himself in an intimate, powerful, refreshing way. In these uplifting pages, Murray shares the personal revelation that he gained from spending quiet time with God.

 

As you reflect on the thoughts presented here, you will discover many of God’s Best secrets, including keys to experiencing:

·        God’s abiding presence

·        Answer to prayer

·        Success in witnessing to others

·        Joy in fellowship with the heavenly Father

·        The Holy Spirit’s guidance and keeping power

·        All that God has promised you

·        Perfect peace in life’s storms

·        Living and reigning with Jesus in heaven

·        Abundant life in Christ

 

Podcasts Woman to Woman

A Peculiar People

“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ; Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify to Himself a peculiar people zealous of good works” Titus 2:13-14.

 

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie Ratzlaff and Sharon Hoskins look at the relationship that we have been privileged to have with the God of creation. We can look at our prayer life to evaluate the intimacy of our relationship with our Father. Culture can be coined by a very busy and aggressive society and as Christians in the church, we are very busy and some may say aggressive, so we don’t look different than the world around us, but God desires to purify to Himself A Peculiar People.

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What Hinders Our Prayers

“Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; for He is faithful that promised” Hebrews 10:22-23.

 

 

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie Ratzlaff and Sharon Hoskins continue their discussion on the importance of prayer. They uncover some beautiful promises that the Lord has given to us. It is always nice to be reminded of His promises, especially in difficult times. We are told many times in scripture to remember and many times we need someone to remind us.  In their conversation, they also discover the things that get in the way of our prayer life and finds what hinders our prayers.

Podcasts The Fireside Bookshelf

The Way of The Master

This week on Sharin’ Hearts: The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green examines The Way of The Master by Ray Comfort.

 

How is it that a majority of Christians today have come to the conclusion that sharing the gospel of Christ is somehow not their personal responsibility.

I will be the first to admit that figuring out how to begin a conversation in order to share your faith with someone can seem like one of life’s most daunting tasks and certainly not all of us are called to a full-time role of evangelism. However, just because it does not come naturally for many of us, does not negate the fact that every Christian should be prepared to give an account of their faith when the Holy Spirit presents us with the opportunity.

We cannot wait around and hope that if the situation ever arises, we can simply “wing it”. If we don’t prepare to give an account of our faith, then more often than not, we will fail to heed the call when the Holy Spirit provides is an occasion to do so.

How can we learn to share our faith is simply, effectively and biblically… the way Jesus did?

One excellent tool that has greatly assisted me is: The Way of the Master by Ray Comfort with Commentary by Kirk Cameron.  This book gives life to an almost forgotten biblical key that has the power to unlock the door of the human heart. It is a proven and effective way of making the gospel make sense to the unsaved.

It is rooted in the Scriptures, once you see it, you will forever wonder how you could’ve missed it. It is the biblical principle of bypassing the intellect (the place of argument) and speaking directly to the conscience (the place of knowledge of right and wrong) – the way Jesus did.

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Lord Teach Us To Pray

“I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior” 1 Timothy 2:1-3.

 

This week on Sharin Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie Ratzlaff and Sharon Hoskins discuss the importance of prayer. It seems to be an area of struggle among many believers. Most times we pray in the manner we have heard others pray, but rarely feel a real connection to the Lord and wonder if our prayers are really going anywhere. Some describe their prayers as hitting the ceiling and falling to the floor. There is a Christian song that talks about all the things that happen while the church is asleep. We may not be literally asleep but we have a clever enemy that is very good at deception. Could the root cause of downfall that we see in society today be because the church as a whole doesn’t know how to pray? Join the conversation to discover why we should say, “Lord, Teach Us To Pray”.

Podcasts The Fireside Bookshelf

Predators in Our Pulpits

This week on Sharin’ Hearts: The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green examines Predators in Our Pulpits by W. Phillip Keller. Across the centuries since Christ came along in human form as a service, men and women of all creeds have had to examine their motives for ministry in the light of his humility and other self-denial. Why do they serve at all?

 

This week on Sharin’ Hearts: The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green examines Predators in Our Pulpits by W. Phillip Keller. Across the centuries since Christ came along in human form as a service, men and women of all creeds have had to examine their motives for ministry in the light of his humility and other self-denial. Why do they serve at all?

It is a question of extreme importance. And while many stay glued to their TVs every night questioning the motives of our local, state, and national leaders, many take for granted the leadership in our churches – failing to hold accountable our spiritual leaders for the truth or lack of truth they speak.

Yet today’s author asserts the greatest threat to the church of Jesus Christ today is not from without, but from our own leadership within. He asks:

· Are our leaders guiding us to an authentic relationship with Christ, or are many merely providing balm for everyday life?

· Why are we hearing less and less of the true gospel message?

· Are we neglecting the unsaved and failing to provide answers for Christians living discontented lives?

· How deeply committed are we to proclaiming God’s truth and adhering to his commands?

In the face of today’s spiritual perils, W. Phillip Keller presses every Christian layperson to examine the state of the Christian church and depend upon Christ alone in his book, Predators in Our Pulpits.

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To Know Him

“Therefore we are buried with Him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life” Romans 6:4.

 

 

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie Ratzlaff and Sharon Hoskins discuss the privileges we receive from the price Jesus paid on the Cross. As we live in this “age of grace,” where we receive many benefits from God as His children through the sacrifice of Christ, we forget that we have a responsibility in the relationship with Him. Romans 12:1-2 are beautiful verses that lay out a game plan for the relationship with God being a two-way street. But, our greatest responsibility is to know Him, and we find that everything else fits together when we spend time to know God.

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So, You Want To Be Like Christ

This week on Sharin’ Hearts: The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green takes us through So, You Want To Be Like Christ by Charles Swindoll.

 

In a world bent on enticing us away from growing deeper in love with Christ, we must ask ourselves, “how on earth do we become more Godly?”

Best-selling author and beloved Bible teacher Charles Swindoll says, “the secret lies in our returning to the basic disciplines of Christ. Religion won’t cut it! We live in a spiritual hothouse where we talk religious-talk, send out religious letters, write religious pamphlets, and do religious Bible studies. It’s so easy to become religious instead of Godly.”

The Bible says we must “discipline ourselves for the purpose of godliness.” If you really want to be like Christ, then come be a part as Charles Swindoll provides 8 essential disciplines to take you there in his book, So, You Want to Be like Christ?

Swindoll asserts, in the process of developing these eight essential disciplines in your life, your relationship with Christ will flourish, and you will become more godly because they go hand-in-hand. This powerful book can help you set your feet on the path to godliness, even in the midst of an increasingly godless world.

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Lifestyle of Discernment

“Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feeble-minded, support the weak, be patient toward all men” 1 Thessalonians 5:14.

 

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie Ratzlaff and Sharon Hoskins discuss the scriptures which give instructions that require discernment. If we continue to read in 1 Thessalonians 5:15-23, we discover many more discerning instructions such as; follow that which is good, don’t render evil for evil, rejoice evermore, pray without ceasing, give thanks in everything, do not despise prophesying, do not quench the Spirit, and prove all things. These commands describe a lifestyle of discernment that will benefit our whole spirit, soul, and body to be preserved blameless to the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Many times in life we are making decisions before we are filtering it through God’s word. Other times we let our emotions get the best of us and we speak before we think. Join in this conversation that challenges our spiritual growth and apply the practical ways we can begin to live a lifestyle of discernment.

Podcasts The Fireside Bookshelf

Grace Grows Best in Winter

This week on Sharin’ Hearts: The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green features this special book that Joni Eareckson Tada read during the first winter of her disability. Grace grew then for her. And through grace, you will grow too!

 

The “why” of human suffering is an age-old question. Recently, there have been several people within my circle of influence who have faced a season of suffering. Some have come through now to see the hilltop others are still journeying through the Valley.

So, come be a part, as we examine, Grace Grows Best in Winter from author Margaret Clarkson who offers a thoughtful, biblical exploration of the “why” of human suffering.

Clarkson indicates this is a book of help for those who must live with a continuing problem of suffering, of whatever kind. It seeks to lead sufferers to discover and to embrace the character of God, so they will be enabled to live triumphantly within the hedge of suffering, wherein God has placed them, and from which in his inscrutable sovereignty He had not yet seen fit to release them.
This is not an “escape” book, nor does it emphasize physical healing, although it frankly accepts the fact that God can and sometimes does heal. It makes no attempt to probe the problem of pain from a philosophical viewpoint, nor is it a book of debate. It contains no sentimentality and offers no shallow “comfort.”

Suffering is seen as one of God’s means of enlarging the soul’s capacity for Himself, and sufferers are enjoined to seek God’s enabling that they may lose none of the present or future fullness that God would have them experience as a result. This is not the most usual view of human suffering, but Clarkson is convinced that it is the only practical, workable way to cope with its stresses.

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Commanded to Judge

“And I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment that you may approve things that are excellent; that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God” Phil. 1:9-11.

 

 

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon continue to discuss the controversial topic of judging. Philippians 1:9-11 describes why judgment is important in our daily lives and how it brings glory to God. When we understand the right definition of judgment and practice judgment according to scripture, we will know better why we are commanded to judge.

 

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Judge With Tender Mercies

“Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering; forbearing one another, and forgiving one another” Col. 3:12-13.

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon study what it means to judge according to scripture and find that we are commanded to judge (investigate, distinguish, and examine) not only situations but also people and ourselves. We are not to judge to condemnation, but to reconciliation. With the correct definition of judgment and the right context of judgment, we can discover how to judge with tender mercies.

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Loved by God Part One

This week on Sharin’ Hearts: The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green digs into the first part of Loved by God By R.C. Sproul.

 

With the mastery of a scholar and the heart of a servant, acclaimed theologian R. C. Sproul takes us on a journey into the very heart of God… contemplating the deepest mysteries of his perfect love.

We will discover with Dr. Sproul as our guide, the threefold nature of God’s love. In his book, Loved by God, we’ll encounter a new and penetrating look at the natures of eros, phileo, and agape loves. And, in this modern-day classic, Sproul will lead us into the deepest dimensions of the beloved 13th chapter of 1stCorinthians.

Once you discover for yourself the astonishing depth, wonder, and richness of God’s love, you’ll want to share it – and this book – with everyone you know.

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Judge Unto Righteousness

“For if we judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world” 1 Corinthians 11:31-32.

 

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon discuss the demand we hear from the world, not to judge; however, we find scriptures that command us to judge. So, how are we misappropriating the truth of scripture and misusing the term judge? Join the discussion to discover the different definitions of the word judge, ways to distinguish it in context, and the command we are given to judge unto righteousness.

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Key Words to the Christian Life

This week on Sharin’ Hearts: The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green explores Key Words to the Christian Life by Warren Wiersbe.

 

Never underestimate the power of words. A judge speaks, and a man is condemned or set free. A physician speaks, and a person has surgery, or he is sent home from the hospital. A government official speaks, and millions of dollars are spent or withheld.

In our own personal lives, we know the power of words – words that can bless us and words that can cut us and hurt us. It is very important for us as Christians to know the meaning of biblical words. We need to understand these words and how they apply to our lives.

Words like justification, sanctification, propitiation, imputation, and mediation – these words make up the technical vocabulary of the Christian life and are very important!

So, come be a part as we delve into a world of words with Warren Wiersbe in Key Words to the Christian Life. Where he will help us establish a solid vocabulary for guiding our daily Christian life.

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To Judge or Not to Judge

“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you shall be judged: and with what measure of mete, it shall be measured to you again” Matthew 7:1-2.

 

 

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon discuss the scriptural definition of judgment. Matthew 7:1-2 tells us not to judge; however, Philippians 1:9 says, “And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; that you may approve things that are excellent; that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ.” Join in this challenging conversation on the topic of judgment and the examination of the question…are we to judge or not to judge?

 

Podcasts The Fireside Bookshelf

If I Perish, I Perish

This week on Sharin’ Hearts: The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green digs into “If I Perish, I Perish by Major Ian Thomas to find insights into the meaning of Christian commitment.
Do you recall a moment, a day, or a season when you came to the realization that you knew you would follow the Lord no matter what? I’m not talking about the moment you were saved, but a time later-after you’d experience perhaps some of the valleys of the shadows, after weaning from the milk of the word to meat of it, after realizing that you could do nothing apart from our Savior. A time when you truly understood that no matter the storms, no matter the trials or tribulations, you would not turn away from the Lord. Because being “in Christ” had become as essential to you as the air you breathe.

If you can not recall such a moment, then perhaps today’s showcased book will help you because it provides insights into the true meaning of Christian commitment.

I had the distinct honor of sitting under the teaching of Major Ian Thomas on several occasions during my high school and early college years. He was an engaging speaker who could make even a teenager sit up and listen as he presented solid truth with both profound insight and humor. Deep thoughts translated into practical, relatable lessons of life.

And it is with heartfelt appreciation for Maj. Thomas and his influence on my life that I ask you to come and be a part as we feature, If I Perish, I Perish-Insights into the meaning of Christian Commitment.

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Blessings in Adversity

“My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials; knowing this, that the trying of your faith works patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that you may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing” James 1:2-4.

 

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie Ratzlaff and Sharon Hoskins share how truly the trials of life can be the sweetest moments of blessings. Sharon talks about her recent battle with cancer and the lessons God taught her through some of the most difficult days of her life. She shares how God gently changed her perspective on her personal life and molded her heart with tender mercies. James 1:2-4 is the most quoted scripture when a person is going through trials, and we tend to hate to hear it when it is spoken to us during those trials. But, the beauty of those verses gives us encouragement to seek God through every moment even though we can’t see clearly the purpose for them.

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Loneliness: How to Be Alone but Not Lonely

This week on Sharin’ Hearts: The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green discovers the contents of Loneliness: How to Be Alone but Not Lonely by June Hunt.  God has placed within each of us a basic need for a relationship with him and with others; therefore, our longing to belong, is natural. You may feel like the entire world has abandoned you; as if no one understands your pain and sorrow, but the Bible promises that the Lord is with you always!

 

Do you know…

· How being alone and being lonely differ?

· What leads to feelings of loneliness?

· How to identify situational causes for loneliness?

· What are the mental and physical symptoms of loneliness?

· How to overcome feelings of loneliness?

If not, come be a part, as an author and biblical counselor, June Hunt, helps us find answers to these questions in her book, Loneliness: How to Be Alone but Not Lonely.

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The Riches of His Grace Part 7

“And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked word, yet now has He reconciled in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy and unblamable and unreprovable in His sight” Colossians 1:21-22.

 

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon discuss the thoughts that cause us to work for God’s approval. We are reconciled – past tense; now let’s grow in grace and knowledge by studying the scriptures to be a learner that has a testimony. Learning to go from “trying” to “trusting”. God declares that He loves us so much that He does not want to do without us.

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The Riches of His Grace Part 6

“But by the grace of God I am what I am: and His grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I labored more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me” 1 Corinthians 15:10.

 

 

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon dive into the three areas of hindrances that can keep us from allowing the Riches of God’s Grace to flow in our lives; law, legalism, and standards. We find out how to use Jesus as the “plumb line” rather than the law as the “plumb line” even though the law reveals our sin.

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The Complete Green Letters

This week on Sharin’ Hearts: The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green examines The Complete Green Letters by Miles J. Stanford. “The good has always been the enemy of His best. No book can replace the Bible, and only those of the highest caliber can assist in opening His treasures. Therefore, seek the best and shun the secondary.”

 

In conjunction with the word of God, the greatest aid to spiritual growth comes through deeper-life literature. As to feeding, it must be primarily the word. But desired growth can be substantially aided by concentration on the best writings.

It makes all the difference when the awakened believer is introduced early on to the tried and true writings on the Christ-life. Even so, caution and discernment must be exercised when studying but, there are priceless truths out there for all who hunger for His best.

So, come be a part, as we search out one such example. One that had a profound, lasting influence on my life. A work I believe can truly be classified as one of the best – The Complete Green Letters, written by Miles J Stanford.

The complete green letters is not a single work, but actually a collection of five dealing with a common theme – “not I, but Christ.” In these works, Stanford presents us with a comprehensive treatise on what it means to be a Christian.

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The Riches of His Grace Part 5

“I know your works, and your labor, and your patience, and how you can not bear them which are evil;…Nevertheless, I have something against you because you have left your first love” Revelation 2:2 and 2:4.

 

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie Ratzlaff and Sharon Hoskins talk about the material that we use to build a dam and stop the flow of the Riches of God’s grace. Looking into the difference between law, legalism, and standards, we find that these things can stop the flow of God’s grace into our lives and even the lives of others around us.

Podcasts The Fireside Bookshelf

Living by the Book

This week on Sharin’ Hearts: The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green explores Living by the Book by Howard and William Hendricks that will help us better examine our hearts by the word of God.

 

Do you know as much about the Bible for your spiritual growth and security as you do about your job, whether in the workplace of business or in the home caring for family?

Have you succumbed to the current culture of social media to get your quick fix for information?

Can you explain the convictions of your belief system and biblical world view?

Can you defend why and what you believe from the Scriptures and how they are sufficient for all aspects of life?

If you answered yes to these questions, then you have strong character traits of Living By the Book.  If not, then this outline will get you started on the right path if you are willing to be a student of the Word and not just a casual observer.

Most Christians are so earthbound in their thinking and wanting to get “spoon-fed” by others.  They wonder why they do not retain the Truth when they hear it. We need to examine our hearts as to where Jesus Christ is as our first love.  If other projects or people, including self come first, then our being grounded to face the difficult days and to serve as life, light, and love will be hindered.  The result is that we will be damaged and we will damage others as we are all one Body.

Ask the Father to give you His heart for the wisdom to know Him through Living By the Book.

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The Riches of His Grace Part 4

“And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work” 2 Corinthians 9:8.

 

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Sharon and Janie continue to discuss the gift of God’s amazing grace. Grace meets our need, Grace gives us a family, Grace allows us to have a relationship with God, Grace relieves us from the fear of death, Grace gives us the privilege of calling God “Father”.

Grace is always flowing but there are ways that we stop the flow of it. Not dying to our flesh daily hinders us from resurrected life that God has planned for us. Christ came for us to have life with grace and the cross is the center of that life He has given.

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The Riches of His Grace Part 3

“According to ht working of His mighty power, which He wrought in Christ, when He raised Him from the dead, and set Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places” Ephesians 1:19b-20.

 

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon continue to look at Ephesians Chapter One verse by verse and discuss the “Riches of His Grace.” Some words in these scriptures are difficult to understand, so Janie and Sharon spend a little time talking about the meaning of these words.

Starting in verse 11 this week, they complete the chapter with the ultimate riches, “He has put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be the head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him that fills all in all” Ephesians 1:22-23.

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The Riches of His Grace Part 2

“In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace” Ephesians 1:7

 

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon continue with their discussion in Ephesians Chapter One. They tackle the word redemption to give a word picture of what Christ has done for us on the Cross. With redemption comes wisdom and prudence; it may take us a while to grab ahold of all that is ours because of the redemptions. There are many riches of God’s grace that are flowing toward us, we just don’t always know what all belongs to us according to those riches.

Podcasts The Fireside Bookshelf

Humility

This week on Sharin’ Hearts: The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green pulls Humility by Andrew Murray from the shelf.

 

One of the best definitions of humility is one by today’s author, Andrew Murray.  This man’s life reflected what he wrote.  He has described HUMILITY as:

“Perfect quietness of heart.  It is to have no trouble, not to be fretted or vexed or irritated or sore or disappointed.”

“It is to expect nothing, to wonder at nothing that is done to me, to feel nothing done against me.  It is to be at  rest when nobody praises me, and when I am  blamed or despised.”

“It is to have a blessed home in the Lord, where I can go in and shut the door, and kneel to my Father in secret and be at peace as in a deep-sea of calmness when all around and above is trouble.  It is the fruit of the Lord Jesus Christ’s redemptive work on Calvary’s Cross, made known in those of His own who are definitely subject to the Holy Spirit.”

This cannot be head knowledge, it must be a life lived in the power of Another, tested and tried on a regular basis, so that it becomes a part of your character and a continual habit. What held true in the day and ministry of Andrew Murray is still as relevant and needed today as in the days of old.

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The Riches of His Grace Part 1

“To the praise of the glory of His grace, wherein He has made us accepted in the beloved” Ephesians 1:6.

 

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon discuss the importance of understanding God’s grace. The first three chapters of Ephesians give the position of who we are; the last three chapters give instructions on how to walk in who we are. Looking at the first six verses of Ephesians chapter one, Janie gives us much to think about as we hear how God chose us before the foundations of the world. In Christ, we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace.

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All of Grace

“Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection: Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin” Romans 6:4-6.

 

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon discuss the joy of understanding the full benefits of living under Grace.  For those that choose to accept salvation without finding out the beauty of Romans 6, they will miss living the life that was freely given at the Cross. The Lord Jesus deserves to be trusted and since He says, “I have forgiven” then we can trust His wisdom, His grace, and His knowledge in being willing to forgive those that are our enemies. That, then allows the joy start to flow back within your life and when the joy flows back in your life, there is an inward and outward manifestation that we know the forgiveness is real.  Let’s uncover the promise of Christ taking care of all at the Cross when He  said: “It is finished.”

 

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Solid Foundation Part 2

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

 

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon discuss the way a lie can affect our life. They touch on topics of lies that our society has convinced us are true and on lies that we have believed about ourselves. Each lie affects our life differently but they are all still lies which affect our lives in a negative way. We reject the truth for a lie and Jesus is Truth, therefore we reject Him.

School Day Devotions mentioned in the broadcast are available here

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Solid Foundation Part 1

“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.

 

This week on Sharin’ Hearts 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?