Tag: Spiritual Journey

Podcasts

The Cross: Eternal Value Today

“But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned” 1 Corinthians 2:14.

When looking for something that will satisfy, clam, stabilize, and bring direction to our lives, we never realize that a Person; not a method or system, is the answer. These qualities are offered with a guarantee and the only requirement is to accept the offer as a free gift from the Giver; and then follow the instructions for success.

Janie and Sharon hope to offer a simple and practical explanation to what holds and hinders us; resulting in a frustrating painful lifestyle. To live a sub-standard Christian life raises questions about the Bible-does it NOT have all the answers. Yes it does, if one will learn and apply what has been written, guided by the Holy Spirit.  Learning to take advantage of the eternal value that the Cross has provided for us today. After salvation, we need to have some boot camp training; and boot camp training comes from discipleship and mentoring. Those that can teach us are the very ones we are rejecting. You can find teaching handouts In Christ and Romans to help you retrain your brain in the things of the Lord.

Recorded live on KWXC 88.9 Christian Talk Radio – Grove OK [archiveorg TheCrossEternalValueToday width=640 height=30 frameborder=0 webkitallowfullscreen=true mozallowfullscreen=true]

Podcasts Woman to Woman

Being Renewed

“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint” Isaiah 40:31.

It takes strength and courage to live a Christian life and those attributes can be found only in the Lord. The battles of life can be overwhelming at times, but the Lord will give us the deeper strength that is needed to go through those battles victoriously. We live in an antagonistic world, we face an avalanche of opposition, we meet violent attacks from the enemy, and we fight our carnal appetites of the flesh. We cannot rely on our loved ones to sustain, renew, strengthen, or encourage us; this all comes from the Lord. We are being renewed in strength, courage, wisdom, insight, confidence, and so much more as we wait upon Him each day. Find out more about being renewed in Waiting upon the Lord  and  www.rarechristianbooks.com Find the 7 protocols of forgiveness at www.forgivingforward.com

Recorded live on KWXC 88.9 Christian Talk Radio – Grove Ok

Podcasts

Unplug Your Busyness Part 3

Jesus said to His disciples, “Come you yourselves apart into a deserted place and rest a while” Mark 6:31.

Sharon Hoskins and Janie Ratzlaff discuss the unplugging of our busyness to spend time with God. They bring out some of the characteristics of the ones Jesus called during His time here in the flesh. They also discuss the struggles of some of the greatest men in history and how we can be encouraged in the fact that we don’t have to be perfect in our service to the Lord. When we plug into His power source, it is by His power that we are able to work in busyness and rest in the same. Janie shared the resource “31 Kings” for the struggles with self. You can find many other great resources at www.rarechristianbooks.com

Recorded live on KWXC 88.9 Christian Talk Radio – Grove OK [archiveorg UnplugYourBusynessPart3 width=640 height=30 frameborder=0 webkitallowfullscreen=true mozallowfullscreen=true]

 

Podcasts Woman to Woman

Unplug Your Busyness Part 2

“The thief comes not but to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come (Jesus said) that they (meaning us) might have life and that they might have it more abundantly” John 10:10.

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

Recorded live on KWXC 88.9 Christian Talk Radio – Grove OK. 

Podcasts Woman to Woman

Unplug Your Busyness

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

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

Recorded live on KWXC 88.9 Christian Talk Radio – Grove OK

Podcasts Woman to Woman

The Character That Counts

“But put you on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof” Romans 13:14

This scripture verse lays out two character robes and tells us which one to wear; however, the choice is still ours to make. We are warned, encouraged, instructed, guided, and in this case, flat out told what to do, but ultimately, we are always given a choice. Janie Ratzlaff and Sharon Hoskins challenge Christian growth through discussing how to carefully select the character that counts; Christ. In order to know who we are in Christ, we must recognize the character of Christ and allow the Holy Spirit to guide us in putting on His character over our own. It seems easier to just allow the flesh to have it’s way, but we really just cause more problems for ourselves; a tiny mole hill becomes the summit of a mountaintop when the character of our flesh is allowed to rule our lives. Choosing to put on the Lord Jesus Christ takes effort, but in the end, it is the only character that counts. Teaching handouts Roles of the Holy Spirit, and Being Led by the Holy Spirit_page 1, page 2, page 3 are available to download.

Recorded live on KWXC 88.9 Christian Talk Radio – Grove, OK

Recorded live on KWXC 88.9 Christian Talk Radio – Grove, OK.

[archiveorg TheCharacterThatCounts width=640 height=30 frameborder=0 webkitallowfullscreen=true mozallowfullscreen=true]
Podcasts Woman to Woman

Waiting On the Lord

“Trust in the Lord, and do good” Psalm 37:3 “Commit your way to the Lord; trust also in Him” Psalm 37:5 “Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him” Psalm 37:7 “Delight yourself also in the Lord and He shall give you the desires of your heart” Psalm 37:4.

Recorded live on KWXC 88.9 Christian Talk Radio – Grove, OK

Psalm 37 also says, “Fret not yourself.” Sharon and Janie discuss how fretting can cause us to use our tongue unwisely. We have an instant platform with an instant audience and instant responses on Social Media. Fretting can cause us to use that outlet to express things that should be left unsaid. In the world of “instants” that we live in today, it’s important to understand how waiting on the Lord in every situation will help Christians mature in their relationship with God. With this quality, young Christians will be encouraged to wait on the Lord as well.

Recorded live on KWXC 88.9 Christian Talk Radio – Grove, OK [archiveorg WaitingOnTheLord_201707 width=640 height=30 frameborder=0 webkitallowfullscreen=true mozallowfullscreen=true]

Podcasts

Training the Conscience

“I am the vine, you are the branches: He that abides in Me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit: for without Me you can do nothing” John 15:5.

 Recorded live on KWXC 88.9 Christian Talk Radio – Grove, OK [archiveorg TrainingTheConscience width=640 height=30 frameborder=0 webkitallowfullscreen=true mozallowfullscreen=true]

Sharon Hoskins and Janie Ratzlaff discuss how the conscience is trained by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit teaches and brings to our remembrance all that Jesus has said. When we spend time with God, we will learn His character, statutes, precepts, and His word will fill our heart. Staying connected to the vine will give us the strength to bear the pressures of trials we face and increase a good conscience. Discussions next week will focus on Waiting Upon the Lord in Prayer and Expectations, Anger, and Bitterness

Recorded live on KWXC 88.9 Christian Talk Radio – Grove OK[archiveorg TrainingTheConscience width=640 height=30 frameborder=0 webkitallowfullscreen=true mozallowfullscreen=true]

Podcasts

Building the Conscience

“Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned” 1 Timothy 1:5.

Recorded live on KWXC 88.9 Christian Talk Radio – Grove, OK [archiveorg BuildingTheConscience width=640 height=30 frameborder=0 webkitallowfullscreen=true mozallowfullscreen=true]

The word “good” is relative in today’s society; however in scripture “good” always refers to God: godliness, holiness, righteousness. God’s definition is absolute and does not vary from person to person but is the same for all. Janie and Sharon discuss how to build the conscience to have good characteristics. Apart from God a good conscience cannot be built; He is the source to the tools. A teaching handout is available that shows the characteristics of the conscience and some helpful hints to guide in renewing the mind to a good conscience.

Recorded live on KWXC 88.9 Christian Talk Radio – Grove, OK  [archiveorg BuildingTheConscience width=640 height=30 frameborder=0 webkitallowfullscreen=true mozallowfullscreen=true]

 

Podcasts

Overcoming Temptations

“My brethern, count it all joy when you fall into divers temptations (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. If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that gives to all men liberally, and reproaches not; and it shall be given him” James 2-5.

Recorded live on KWXC 88.9 Christian Talk Radio – Grove, OK [archiveorg OvercomingTemptations_201706 width=640 height=30 frameborder=0 webkitallowfullscreen=true mozallowfullscreen=true]

Sharon Hoskins and Janie Ratzlaff discuss how to recognize and overcome tempations in our spiritual walk. Satan uses the same decietful methods that scammers use to get into our computer, to obtain personal information, and destroy lives. When we give in to temptations, it will destroy our operating system (how we live our lives; the process by which we think and make decisions). In comparing our computer operating system with our personal operating system we gain understanding of how important it is to protect our walk with God.

Two Kinds of Wisdom is explained in this download.

Teaching handouts are available for today’s show. The ABCs of Salvation gives scriptures for every letter of the alphabet (except X & Z) to help you understand salvation.
Recorded live on KWXC 88.9 Christian Talk Radio – Grove, OK [archiveorg OvercomingTemptations_201706 width=640 height=30 frameborder=0 webkitallowfullscreen=true mozallowfullscreen=true]

Podcasts

Ways to Foster Spiritual Growth Part 1

“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. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not love, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not love, it profits me nothing” 1 Corinthians 13 (KJER).

[archiveorg WaysToFosterSpiritualGrowthPart1 width=640 height=140 frameborder=0 webkitallowfullscreen=true mozallowfullscreen=true]

Janie and Sharon talk about the many ways that we can encourage each other to grow. How can we bring the generations together and create a culture of mentoring in the church. Why have we become so stagnant and what we can do to change it. A desire to grow spiritual is up to each individual person, in their relationship with God. However, growth can be encouraged in ways that comes from a heart of love.

Recorded live on KWXC 88.9 Christian Talk Radio – Grove OK [archiveorg WaysToFosterSpiritualGrowthPart1 width=640 height=140 frameborder=0 webkitallowfullscreen=true mozallowfullscreen=true]

Podcasts Woman to Woman

Encourage without Wounding – Episode 3

“The Lord that delivered me out of the paw of the lion, and out of the paw of the bear, He will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine” 1 Samuel 17:37.

Sharon and Janie share the story of St. Patrick on this St. Patrick’s Day.  As St. Patrick spent time in the shepherd’s field he drew close to the Lord.  Comparing the story of David, they discuss the importance of a shepherd’s field in everyone’s life.  We will find encouragement from God there which will help us to encourage others without wounding them.  The shepherd’s field is where we are prepared to fight the Goliaths in our life, but without preparation, we look much like the armies of Israel did, hiding and uncertain how to defeat the giant.  “Pray without ceasing” 1 Thessalonians 5:17.

Recorded live on KWXC 88.9 Christian Talk Radio – Grove, Ok

Blog

Into the Deep

It is so easy to get caught up in the routines of life.  In our family, we know what our schedule is everyday.  It is nice to break away from the routine and just relax.  Recently, I had the privilege to break away from everything for five wonderful days.  I knew this opportunity was orchestrated by God, so I sought Him for weeks before my departure.  I wanted to hear His voice, see His face, and feel His presence.  I listened carefully and watched mindfully; I desired to be changed by the end of the week, so I dug in deep.

And Jesus Said…

“Launch out into the deep, and let down your nets for a catch” Luke 5:4.  Jesus instructed Peter to cast his net into the deep for a catch.  I was struck by how Jesus said “deep” as if Peter had been fishing in the shallow waters.  I thought about myself before this week; had I been sitting in shallow waters hoping to make a catch?  As Christians, it is easy to get comfortable with the depth of our knowledge, the depth of our relationship, and even the depth of our commitment and service.  Many things can attribute to our comfort.  We can be too busy with work and our kids activity schedule.  We can be set in a routine and not willing to change.  However, many times it is fear that keeps us from going deeper.  Fear of what might be required of us.  Fear of failure.  Fear of a commitment.  I know because I have let all of these fears keep me from going deeper at different seasons of my life.  But, for five wonderful days in May 2016, I sought God’s face with a desire to launch into the deep.  As a result, I found a deeper relationship with my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  No more shallow waters and no more fears.  Take a risk to launch into the deep and let go of your fears, I promise God will not fail you.

-Sharon

Image: http://www.ebiblestories.com/stories/the_story_of_the_fishermen.shtml

Blog

Bread of Life

Many of the five thousand people who were fed with five loaves of bread and two fishes, searched for Jesus in the days that followed.  They took boats and traveled to Capernaum to find Him.  Jesus knew their motives in their quest: “Verily, verily, I say to you. You seek Me, not because you saw the miracles, but because you did eat of the loaves, and were filled” John 6:26.  I thought it was interesting that they didn’t even notice the miracle of how they were fed, just that they were filled.  How familiar is that to some of us?  Isn’t it true that many times we don’t notice the miracles in our life?  They followed Jesus for their physical need.

 

And Jesus said…

“Labor not for the meat which perishes, but for that meat which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give to you: for Him has God the Father sealed” John 6:27.  They had worked so hard to find Him, laboring in their search.  He encourages them to look beyond their physical needs to a deeper spiritual need.  Jesus goes on to share with them how they can begin fulfilling that need by believing on Him, and eating the true bread of heaven; which is Christ Jesus.  Many of us have come to that place of believing on Him, but we get lost in our physical needs.  We know that we can ask Him for anything and find our prayers being a sort of “grocery list” of physical needs rather than a spiritual hunger for the Bread of Life.  What can we do to change our hunger?  That answer may be different for each of us, but we can all find the answer in the same place; on our knees.  I pray that we will all determine to find the answer and change from physically feeding to spiritually feasting on the Bread of Life.

Sharon Hoskins

Blog

That Good Part

The five short verses that tell the story of Mary and Martha have had a great impact on the lives of many women throughout the years.  Jesus is at their house, and while Martha is busy serving and taking care of the physical needs, Mary is sitting at Jesus’ feet, listening to His word.  Martha becomes frustrated because Mary is just sitting there, not helping her with anything.  Martha was probably thinking, “I would like to sit down too!”  So she asks Jesus to tell Mary to help.

 

And Jesus said…

“Martha, Martha, you are concerned and troubled about many things: but one thing is needful: and Mary has chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her” Luke 10:41-42.  There are many physical needs that require our attention each day.  Things that pull us here and there with activities, work, errands, and a list of other things that keep us busy.  We may even have trouble sleeping at night because our mind is making a list for the next day.  We may find it difficult to stay focused on the task at hand because our mind travels to the next thing on our list.  Our first thought in the morning is our list for the day.  The Mary in us wants to sit at Jesus’ feet, but the “list” invades our thoughts and steals our attention.  Then, that good part, our spiritual need, is taken away by our own frustrations and busyness.  There will always be a fight between the flesh and the spirit.  “For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other…” Galatians 5:17. On days like this, fight the urge to get busy on the list of physical duties and find strength spiritually by sitting a Jesus’ feet.  Leave the list, concerns, and troubles out of the conversation as you sit there.  Use praise to focus your mind on Him, “I just want to sit with You and hear your voice”, “God You are so good”, “Great are You Lord, O Most High”, “I love You, Lord, You are the love of my life”.  And there are a thousand more ways to share praise to Him.  Through it you will find peace and that good part which shall not be taken away.

-Sharon Hoskins