Faithful Stewards of the Mysteries of God

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

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon discuss the hidden truths that God has given us to know.

When a Christian is able to live in the middle of pressures of the world, dangers, and stand steadfast in the midst of adversity, that is the mystery (hidden truth) of godliness.

Scripture warns us to not be conformed to this world but to be transformed by the renewing of the mind and we renew our minds in the scriptures.

When times are tough and things uncertain, when all looks lost and persecutions come fear begins to fight faith, but do not fear, God is with us; He is still on the throne.

So, join in the conversation as we dig into the scriptures to find out how to be Faithful Stewards of the Mysteries of God.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Effective Faith

This week on Sharin’ Hearts: The Fireside Bookshelf, Ginger Green looks at Effective Faith by Sanders J Oswald.

 

A diamond is formed under great pressure and placed under the hands of a skilled craftsman for cutting the facets into it for the beauty and brilliance to be seen; so the Lord gives a measure of faith to each one of us and then through the pressures of living, cuts the facets of faith into each one of us so that His Life, His character, His love may be seen in us. Faith’s chief occupation is obtaining the promises of God, discovering what God is able to do in the face of all opposition and difficulties and willing to accept what it cannot understand.  Faith is the assent of the mind and the consent of the heart. To doubt any word God has spoken is to cripple faith, leading to unbelief and in Scripture is the one thing that exasperates God. Effective Faith will open a chapter of exploring the many facets of faith to bring you to resting in the object of your faith, Jesus Christ.

 

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

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?

Emotions in Dark Times

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon discuss that there are times in our lives when the Lord appears to pull back the comfort and grace that we all want and need each day.  We start to question His goodness and protective care.  When we do, we open ourselves up to another set of messy emotions.   If we do not bring our thoughts captive we can fall under the control of the enemy, unknowingly. The Lord’s silence may simply be His stretching us to grow in deeper faith and trust in Him.

 

However, if we fail to put on the full armor of God, be ignorant of Satan’s devices, fail to resist the enemy by steadfast faith, or have an unteachable spirit; we can easily open the door to enemy influence.   Pride can come out of our thinking, personality, and emotions in 100 different ways.  We are not to spend our time focusing on the enemy, taking our eyes off of the Lord, who is our strength, shield, and foundation for overcoming.  Nevertheless, we are to look into the Word of God and find out how the devil’s tactics are shown as examples from the scripture.

Thirty-One Kings by A. B. Simpson

The enemy cannot read our minds, but he can plant thoughts from external sources and internally stored memories.  If we resort to listening, then our behavior will show that influence in our actions and the enemy will know how to further his cause in us.  Remember, he can hear what we say and do. He is an expert in deception and blindness.

Satan’s downfall of defeat for eternity was in his prideful desire to be worshipped as a god and he wants to take us down that same road of worship of self. We all must battle the spirit of pride in our lives but can learn the mind of Christ to counter false thinking.

We examine scripture today that builds truth deep within our inner being to keep us from taking this destructive detour.

Thirty-One Kings by A. B. Simpson

 

Emotions in Loss

“There hath no temptation (testing) overtaken you but such is common to man; but God is faithful who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able; but with the temptation also make a way of escape that you may be able to bear it” 1 Corinthians 10:13.

 

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon extend the series The 4 M’s of Emotions to include how loss affects our emotions. Emotions are messy and sometimes it’s because we are suffering loss; grieving or mourning. Loss comes in many different ways; death, job, career, marriage, retirement, home, dreams, etc. Janie and Sharon discuss the 5 aspects of grief that we usually pass through in coming to terms with the loss. They also discuss how stress can be a factor that makes for messy emotions.

Five Aspects of Grief

His Truth Transforms Ministries, a ministry we trust has some books for “preventing emotional meltdowns” AngerAnxietiesDepressionFear, and Guilt.

Emotions are Messy

“For you (Lucifer) have said in your heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the Most High” Isaiah 14:13-14.

 

This describes the first recorded “I WILL” and reveals the heart of Lucifer when he declared he would be greater than God. Self-will must be slain before love can reign.  There is only one throne in our hearts and either self will sit as king or Jesus Christ will occupy His rightful place.

SELF is subtle and will fight to hold and maintain control of our thoughts and emotions.  Even when we choose the right path with our mind and will, self will never willingly yield its control. It loves to hide in deception and lies that we believe; for all the wrong reasons.

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon start to uncover the self-life in its many different forms and offer a pathway of practical practice to deal scripturally with a life of messy emotions that are painful, defeating, frustrating; resulting in our own agenda for life, ministry, and relationships.

Prayerfully ask that the Holy Spirit will open our eyes to see “self” with the mind of Christ as the enemy and flesh will be determined to keep us blinded. Jesus Christ through His Word is the way to overcome messy emotions.

 

Emotions are Messengers Part 2

But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in My name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said to you” John 14:26.

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon continue to discuss the importance of knowing how to hear the messages that emotions are bringing to us. Where do emotions come from and how can we distinguish what they are saying.

“At a very early age, we begin to receive messages and impressions about ourselves from those around us; parents, brothers, sisters, kids on the playgrounds, teachers, etc. These messages result in approval/acceptance that makes us feel OK about ourselves, or bring disapproval/rejection that makes us feel bad.”

 

Emotions are Messengers Part 1

There are different frequencies between AM and FM Radio.  If listening to AM stations we cannot hear the FM stations. If listening to the FM stations we cannot hear the AM stations.  We do not choose what is put on the AM or FM frequencies but we can choose which frequency we listen to.

The same is true of our minds.  Spiritual conflicts begin in the mind. We have one mind with two sources of programming from which to choose; either self-pleasing or God-pleasing.

 

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon discuss how we are programmed through our five senses, sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch. As we use these senses they produce thoughts and/or arouses memories. Depending on what we “ listen” to through our senses our mind will express corresponding emotions; influencing our actions of behavior. Behavior becomes a habit and a habit becomes a lifestyle.  Now we can understand the importance of listening to the right “frequency.”

Learn how to set the frequency that will tune-in to living in quiet confidence in the midst of our circumstances. One brings health and healing, the other brings confusion and defeat.

 

Emotions are Molecules

“My substance was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the lowest parts of the earth” Psalm 139:15.

 

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon discuss the 4 “M’s” of emotion that will shed light on what they are, why we have them, and how we can handle them even when they seem to be overwhelming. Emotions are Molecules. Emotions are Messengers. Emotions are Manageable. Emotions are Messy. This broadcast focuses on emotions as molecules and how they actually affect our physical body. God made us so skillfully; every little detail designed with purpose, carefully planned and executed with precision. Emotions are the part of every woman (person) that seems to get the best of us more often than we would like. Maybe you have even asked the questions, “Why do I get so emotional?” “Are emotions really necessary?” Emotions can drive us crazy and everyone around us.

Rx PreScriptures

“Be still and know that I am God” Psalm 46:10

 

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon discuss matters of the brain and our thoughts.

Joy is a state of being and a gift from God-given to those who wait and trust on Him in the difficult time of life; those ready for a total commitment to the plan and purpose God has for us.  Sometimes we fail to move forward because we lack vision even after the desire to serve is within our hearts.

Proverbs 29:18 tells us “where there is no vision, the people perish” (or run wild).  We are in an age and culture where our vision has become very short-sighted and rather than having a single focus we are occupied with overstimulation of choices from the world around us, robbing us of the precious promises that are waiting for those that will “walk the talk”.

 

Many people mistake joy with happiness.  Feelings, also a gift, when positive can also feel like joy.  We need to learn how God has made us.  The brain has a major role in how the body passes on the information we gather from our senses and thinking.  Understanding how the brain works on behalf of the body and how it can work against us is determined by us.  “As a man thinks, so is he.”  Study along with us as we start an adventure inside the body, as it has been purchased by the Lord Jesus on the Cross as a dwelling place for the Holy Spirit to work through us.

Peace From Prison Part 1

“Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved” Philippians 4:1.

This week on Sharin’ Hearts Woman to Woman, Janie and Sharon move into Philippians Chapter four where Paul shares peace from his prison cell with the saints in Philippi.  Paul wants them to know the value of standing fast in the Lord in difficult situations; it would defeat the enemy.

Peace at any price, but we can’t buy peace. Peace is something we all long for but seems to be out of reach. God gives peace in the midst of difficult situations.

 

Perseverance from Prison Part 3

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

 

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

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

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

Chelsea Hughes

Connect with Chelsea Hughes by following her journey chasing what matters.

chelsea hughes 1Chelsea grew up in Oklahoma City, she is the daughter of Pastor Marty Hughes, of Grace Harbor Baptist, Grove, Ok. She received her Associates Degree in Culinary Arts in 2006 and her Bachelors in Business in 2009.

She shares practical truth about Christian living beyond the walls of our church building.  She encourages us with ways to be a missionary right here at home, at work, and in our community.

After graduating college, she spent 4 months in the Philippines and China. It was during this time that the Lord put a call on her life to missions work. In 2011, Chelsea spent 11 months living out of a backpack, traveling to 11+ countries, sharing the Gospel and love of Christ. After returning to the states in 2012, she became a children’s pastor in Abilene, TX.

 

Julie Arnall

Julie Arnall is 15 years old and going into 9th grade.  She plays softball and involved in a college preparation class.  She plans to attend Bible Baptist College in Springfield MO and hopes to help others through counseling after college.  Julie shares her testimony and encourages all teens to stand in their faith at school.  She gives words of wisdom for forgiving from your heart and finding a role model.

Listen to her interview from 07/01/2016 on KWXC 88.9 Christian Talk Radio

Julie says, “God has showed me that through the past events in my life I can help others who are going through the same thing that I went through. That is why I want to be a counselor after I graduate college. My mother is my role model. She’s such a strong and independent lady and my goal is to be just like her.”  She is an inspiration to both young and old.