Mentoring Matters

“I will love thee, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies” Psalm 18:1-3 https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/MM_2025_04_05_God-Our-Victory.mp3 As we continue our study on the names of God found in Psalm 23, we find that David gained great confidence that his Shepherd would go before him in every situation. We have verbal testimony from David himself saying that the Lord delivered him from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear. David knew that nothing was impossible for His Mighty God! Today, we are focused on the character of God found in verse 5a, where David boasts in the Lord, “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.” The Lord was his victory, and He is our victory as well. Photo by Jon Ratzlaff

“He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.” Psalm 23:3 https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/MM_2026_04_18_God-Our-Righteousness.mp3 Each verse of Psalm 23 gives names of God that describe His character traits. We can imagine David, a shepherd, knowing the depth of love and care that is required to tend to sheep. David takes his insights and expresses them beautifully about the Great Shepherd, God Almighty, tending to David as a sheep. Today, we are focused on the character of God in verses 3b and digging into supporting scriptures that affirm God our Righteousness (Jehovah Tsidkenu)

“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with the endurance the race that is set before us.” Hebrews 12:1 https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/MM_2025_01_31_Repression.mp3 The important point laid out here is that we need to see how those who have gone before lived and overcame the snares of self. If we go against the patterns of freedom provided by our Savior, we can hold onto strongholds and repress reality. Eventually, we will explode, making a mess for ourselves and those around us. Clean-up of these defenses is messy. Are you building steam for an explosion?

“My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Therefore, I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/MM_2025_12_13_Spiritual-Greatness.mp3 One of the beliefs we entertain and promote is the religious lie that to be spiritual and useful in our walk with the Lord as believers, we must be spiritual giants. The greater the gifts, the more powerful the preaching and teaching, and the more popular and well-known our own ministry qualifies us as Christians living with a 4-star approval rating. RUBBISH! Our Bible is filled with calling our attention to daily dying to self, decreasing in the importance of “MY” ministry, being willing to suffer, and allowing Christ and His character to take center stage in every aspect of our lives. Settle back in quietly waiting on the Lord for His mind as we look at how God is shaping us into His image through ways that differ from the popular belief that “Bigger is always Better.”

“Do not lie one to another since you have put off the old man with his deeds.” Colossians 3:9 How many of us have experienced The Blame Game: “It’s your fault”, “You made me so mad”. ”You hurt my feelings, or you don’t meet my needs.” Have these thoughts ever crossed your mind? Have you used the silent treatment to make someone feel guilty?” How about lashing out in a verbal frenzy, assuring the other person they are wrong?  Sounds crazy, but in the heat of emotions, many people are doing this. As we accuse one another, do those same pitiful arguments go back to our God for His “mistreatment” of us? Living lies is the surest way to the door of misery, anger, anxiety, and blinding us to the Truth. Is it a lie that we must earn God’s love? Is it okay to get impatient with God’s timing on how He is working in other lives?” Let's investigate how we accept lies to avoid pain and suffering. Learn how we are bombarded daily with lies to keep us under the control of the enemy. Don’t let lies believed as truth affect you as if they were true, even though they are lies.”

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6 https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/MM_2025_07_19_Anxious-for-Nothing.mp3 We quote this verse a lot and probably think we are applying the Scripture in our circumstances the way the Apostle Paul described. However, we need to take a closer look at the details. Paul uses absolute words, such as NOTHING, not just a little bit sometimes. He further declares ALWAYS – there is to be a consistency in our thoughts originating in PRAYER; expressed through supplication and thanksgiving. Then, we are ready to make our request known by the manner that He longs to hear and answer. Today, let’s dive into what keeps us from taking the Words of Jesus, written by Paul, to see what it takes to make a really great faithful servant that is ANXIOUS FOR NOTHING.

“That Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to comprehend with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height – to know the love of Christ which passes knowledge; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God” Eph. 3:17-19 https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/MM_2025_06_28_Complete-in-Godliness.mp3 This week on Sharin’ Hearts Mentoring Matters, Janie and Sharon discuss the gift of being complete in Christ, with all godliness and love. Recognizing our position in Christ, being students of the Word, and committing quiet, still, alone time with Father God are vital for spiritual growth. Many times, we don’t grow because we are comfortable with where we are, but taking the time to “shop” the scriptures for something new will deepen our relationship with God and strengthen our daily walk with Him.

“Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written in it; for the time is near” Revelation 1:3 https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/MM_2025_06_14_-Promises-and-Blessings.mp3 This verse is an encouragement to read Revelation and to hear the words of it’s prophecy, it doesn’t say to read and understand fully all that is told. Many believers say that they are too afraid to read this book because they don’t understand it. Revelation is the revealing of Jesus Christ Himself. He is referred to as the Lamb 28 times in the book. It is evident that God wants us to know the redeeming work that was finished on the Cross by Jesus Christ, who came as a man, to become the Lamb, and redeem every man, woman, boy, and girl. Every generation needs to understand the matters of the past, present, and what is yet to be in the future. Ignorance of the past will blind us to see the present and cause history to repeat itself. It’s important to learn from our past and prepare for the future. Jesus is the hope and gives purpose to every generation. Photo by Jon Ratzlaff

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty” Revelation 1:8 https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/MM_2025_06_07_The-Alpha-and-Omega.mp3 From Genesis to Revelation, Jesus is made known. He is the subject of the entire Bible, He is the object of our faith. For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, Romans 11:36. Jesus was in the beginning with God, all things were made through Him and nothing was made without Him, John 1:2,3. He is the chief cornerstone, and there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved, Acts 4:11,12. Growing up in Christ is a continual growth that begins with knowing the ultimate knowledge of nothing but Jesus Christ and Him crucified because He is the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last, the All in All.

“But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus” 2 Timothy 3:14-15 https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/MM_2025_05_31_Growing-Up-in-Christ.mp3 You MUST, Paul says, continue. This is a command to grow up in a Person, that is, Jesus Christ. Knowing about Him is just information, but when we grow up in Him, that is a precious relationship. Growing up takes effort, it brings on more responsibility, and it requires discipline. However, there are countless rewards when we mature; we draw nearer and nearer to our Savior and have the privilege of knowing the mind of God. Photo by Jon Ratzlaff

But know this, that in the last days perilous times will come: for men will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, unloving, unforgiving, slanderers, without self-control, brutal, despisers of good, traitors, headstrong, haughty, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God” 2 Timothy 3:1-4 https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/MM_2025_05_24_Authority-and-Responsibility.mp3 These are the days we are living in right now. We can see that the world around us looks exactly like the description Paul gives in this passage to Timothy. However, when the church begins to resemble the same passage, we must ask, What are we missing? There is a military term that is used when a soldier does not report for duty, called AWOL (Absent With Out Leave). Many people have experienced the effects of AWOL parents, and in the workplace, a co-worker may be AWOL for a shift, which causes hardships on the rest of the staff. But what about the Church going AWOL in their responsibility to grow in grace and knowledge? Then we find a church “having a form of godliness but denying its power” vs 5, and looking just like the world as described in 2 Timothy 3. It’s time for the church to wake up and surrender to the Authority, Jesus Christ, and take responsibility for the Christian walk we are called to. Photo by Jon Ratzlaff

“For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them” Ephesians 2:10 https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/MM_2025_05_17_Created-on-Purpose.mp3 To really understand our beginning and purpose in life, it is necessary to go back to the CREATOR of all life: GOD. He is the source of our genealogy. He wrote a single volume, called the Bible, that covers every issue, every trial, and every circumstance with the perfect solution and guidance for every man, woman, boy, and girl. We have the privilege of passing on the value of our existence to the next generation. We have the greatest resource, the Word of God, that will transform lives and will prepare all of us with lasting character that builds us up. We were not only created WITH a purpose, we were created ON purpose by our Creator. No matter what our family tree looks like here, with our identity in Christ, we have a solid foundation for all of eternity.

“The sheep hear His voice; and He calls His own sheep by name and leads them out.” John 10:3 https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/MM_2025_05_03_The-Shepherds-Voice.mp3 When we hear the Shepherd’s Voice, it brings assurance and security as He speaks. There are times in our walk with the Lord when certain unknowns produce uncertain emotions that confuse our hearing. Fear will slip in and replace the sheep’s ability to listen to the Shepherd. Fear has many entanglements, and we get caught up in them, never realizing fear has replaced faith. Today, there is a way to keep this from happening. Let’s prepare to repair the damage fear does when it controls our hearts.

“The sheep hear His voice; and He calls His own sheep by name and leads them out.” John 10:3 https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/MM_2025_05_03_The-Shepherds-Voice.mp3 When we hear the Shepherd’s Voice, it brings assurance and security as He speaks. There are times in our walk with the Lord when certain unknowns produce uncertain emotions that confuse our hearing. Fear will slip in and replace the sheep’s ability to listen to the Shepherd. Fear has many entanglements, and we get caught up in them, never realizing fear has replaced faith. Today, there is a way to keep this from happening. Let’s prepare to repair the damage fear does when it controls our hearts.

“The Lord knows the days of the upright, and their inheritance shall be forever” Psalm 37:18 https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/MM_2025_04_26_God-Our-Inheritance.mp3 As we conclude our study on the names of God found in Psalm 23, we find David has full assurance of his continued union with his great Shepherd for all of eternity. Today, we are focused on the character of God found in verse 6, where David declares, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever” Psalm 23:6. We can rest in that as well as Paul expresses in Romans 8:38-39, “For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Jesus is our inheritance – Jehovah Cheleq

O Lord, You are the portion of my inheritance and my cup; You maintain my lot” Psalm 16:5 https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/MM_2025_04_19_God-Our-Portion.mp3 As we continue our study on the names of God found in Psalm 23, we find that David was confident that his Shepherd was all he needed. There was nothing that he lacked in his life. While alone in the shepherd's field, David was never without; everything he needed was supplied by the Great Shepherd until his “cup runneth over.” Today, we are focused on the character of God found in verse 5c, where David declares, “My cup runneth over,” expressing that the Lord is Jehovah Manah, God his portion. Oh, how we can trust the Lord to be our portion and fill our cup to overflowing! “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over” Psalm 23:5

“Grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.” 2 Peter 3:18. https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/MM_2025_04_12_God-Our-Sanctification.mp3 This command to grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord is impossible without knowing Him. Having a relationship with Him is the first step to growth. As we grow closer to Him in our relationship, we grow in knowledge of who He is and gain wisdom of His character that is saturated in grace. In our continuing study of the names of God found in Psalm 23, we find that David stayed close to his Shepherd; visiting with Him in the field, worshiping Him with instruments and song, and drawing closer and closer every day. God Himself declared that David was a man after God’s own heart. Today we are focused on the character of God found in verse 5b, where David tenderly shares, “Thou anointest my head with oil” acknowledging God as his sanctification and the Lord is our sanctification as well. Photograph by Jon Ratzlaff

“I will love thee, O Lord, my strength. The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised: so shall I be saved from mine enemies” Psalm 18:1-3 https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/MM_2025_04_05_God-Our-Victory.mp3 As we continue our study on the names of God found in Psalm 23, we find that David gained great confidence that his Shepherd would go before him in every situation. We have verbal testimony from David himself saying that the Lord delivered him from the paw of the lion and the paw of the bear. David knew that nothing was impossible for His Mighty God! Today we are focused on the character of God found in verse 5a, where David boasts in the Lord, “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies.” The Lord was his victory and He is our victory as well. Photo by Jon Ratzlaff

“Our soul waits for the Lord; He is our help and our shield. For our heart shall rejoice in Him, because we have trusted in His holy name” Psalm 33:20-21 https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/MM_2025_03_29_God-Our-Help.mp3 Many scriptures describe God as our help and His help is described in multiple ways. Psalm 46:1 says, God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Psalm 121 says, My help comes form the Lord, who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to be moved, will not let you slumber. The Lord is your keeper, your shade. The Lord will preserve your soul forevermore. As we continue our study on the names of God found in Psalm 23, we find how David describes the Lord as our help with His rod and staff that comfort him. Today we are focused on the character of God in verse 4b to find how the rod and staff of the Lord God is still comforting us with encouragement and discipline as God Our Help. Painting by Bob Boyd (Prints of Peace)

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” John 10:27-28 https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/MM_2025_03_22_God-Our-Companion.mp3 In each of the six verses in Psalm 23 David gives a description of God’s character that directly correlates with names of God. As a shepherd himself, David understands the depth of love and care that is required to tend to the sheep. David then takes those insights in beautiful expression to describe how the Great Shepherd, God Almighty, tends to him as a sheep. Today we are focused on the character of God in verse 4a to find a close, secure relationship that cannot be broken with God Our Companion. Painting by Bob Boyd (Prints of Peace)

“He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.” Psalm 23:3 Each verse of Psalm 23 gives names of God that describe His character traits. We can imagine David, a shepherd, knowing the depth of love and care that is required to tend to sheep. David takes his insights and expresses them beautifully about the Great Shepherd, God Almighty, tending to David as a sheep. Today we are focused on the character of God in verses 3b and digging into supporting scriptures that affirm God our Righteousness (Jehovah Tsidkenu)

“He restoreth my soul; He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake” Psalm 23:3 Each verse of Psalm 23 gives names of God that describe His character traits. We can imagine David, a shepherd himself, knowing the depth of love and care that is required to tend to sheep. He takes his insights and expresses them beautifully about the Great Shepherd, God Almighty, tending to David, a sheep himself. Today we are focused on the character of God in verses 3a and digging into supporting scriptures that affirm God as our Healer (Jehovah Ropheka).

“The Lord is my Shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me to lie down in green pastures; He leads me beside the still waters” Psalm 23:1-2 Each verse of Psalm 23 gives names of God that describe His character traits. We can imagine David, a shepherd himself, knowing the depth of love and care that is required to tend to sheep. He takes his insights and expresses them beautifully about the Great Shepherd, God Almighty, tending to David, a sheep himself. Today we are focused on the character of God in verses 1 and 2 and digging into supporting scriptures that affirm God as our Shepherd, Provider, and Peace.

“Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen” Hebrews 13:20-21 The comparison of sheep tendencies and the tendencies of us, God’s Sheep, is revealed in how we interact with each other as we grow in grace and knowledge. The great Shepherd knows all the sheep grow at different levels and different ways so He deals with each as needed. Some are ready to be “show sheep” while others struggle to stay with the flock, but in every case the Shepherd tenderly cares for each one where they are in their progress. Among the sheep, we can be very harsh to each other based on our differing levels of growth. We must learn to look beyond actions and words to see the heart of each sheep. As a body of Christ, we have enough criticism from the world around us, we don’t need it from each other. We are to encourage one another and build one another up (1 Thess. 5:11) and consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near (Heb. 10:24-25)

“The Lord is my Shepherd I shall not want” Psalm 23:1 David is the author of this particular Psalm and probably wrote it while tending the flock. As a shepherd himself, he understood the responsibility, hard work, insights, and abilities that was necessary for keeping the sheep safe and healthy. Beyond the physical needs, David also understood the depth of care, attention to detail, and sacrifice it required on a personal level. Being a shepherd, David could relate his love for the sheep with the way the Lord loved him. Placing himself as a sheep under the love and care of the Great Shepherd, this Psalm tells the many ways that the Lord tends to us, His children. Today we discuss the precious, tender way of the Shepherd.

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand” Isaiah 41:10. Fear is a strange emotion that has unpredictable in responses based on what may be causing the fear. In this episode we will be discussing loneliness and how it can cause fear. When we are fearful, our vision gets cloudy and everyday life seems to become more difficult. Today, we will talk about changing our perspective in loneliness when we realize that we are never alone.

“My grace is sufficient for you; for My strength is made perfect in weakness” 2 Cor. 12:9 In response to Paul’s cry for relief from his infirmities, Jesus assures him that the grace he receives is sufficient. This same grace is given to us and is still sufficient for anything we may face. It is the relationship with Jesus Christ Himself that supplies the assurance. We will not find the solution to all our problems in the teachings, the traditions, and rituals of the denominations. We won’t find it in busying ourselves with service or burying it in acts of good deeds. Jesus Christ is the answer to all our problems and how amazing it would be if we could all respond as Paul did; “Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong” 2 Cor. 12:9-10.

“I am the good shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father: and I lay down My life for the sheep” John 10: 14-15 The Lord’s steadfast love for us is seen in that He has laid down His life for us. He asks us to draw close, to hear His voice, and know Him. As His sheep, we have the privilege to encourage each other in songs, hymns and spiritual songs. We are commanded to help one another with accountability and in warnings from love. At the same time we must be willing to allow others to help us where we might be blind or so wrapped up in pain that we can’t see the cliff in front of us. Caring for others in steadfast love the way the Lord has so tenderly cared for us is how His love is seen by others.

“Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice! Have mercy also upon me, and answer me. When you said, “Seek My Face,” My heart said to You, “Your Face, Lord, I will seek.” Psalms 27:7-8 When we are drawn by the mercies of God and our salvation is secure and complete, we are just beginning the progression of growing in grace and knowledge as we apply the Scriptures to our daily lives. There are essentials for establishing our Father’s will in fulfilling our maturity that is well pleasing to Him and it is easy to accept a path of comfort and miss the Master’s best. Join our discussion as we evaluate the stepping stones to maturity.

“You are complete in him, who is the he of all principles and power.” Colossians 2:9b It is very important to know the Person that has authority over all living matters and the power to keep us in the most difficult circumstances where we need security and safety for ourselves, our families, and from authorities that can hold us hostage with their power. Today, we reflect on how we find ourselves in places of no escape; we see what happens when we try to fix our problems on our own. We struggle with how to trust our authority, Jesus Christ, who allows various trials to come to those that He loves – doesn’t He have the power to keep us safe? When WE CAN’T, HE CAN. Our guide is found in the words of Jesus Christ, Himself. Since His words are true and trusting. Join us as explore how being COMPLETE IN HIM keeps our guaranteed hope alive.

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavily laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 To labor and be heavy burdened are two descriptions of our conditions that most are facing in one area or another. This can be applied to the physical, emotional, and soul – influencing our spirits. Culture is telling us to have third-party encounters with one another through some device that offers opinions and information for man-made solutions. My question is – “Would Jesus walking on earth advise people to learn of Him through someone else, no matter how sincere?” He wants direct communion with each of us, whether as His children needing His comfort and care or as a person controlled by fears needing Him for life itself. In both cases, there is only one judge to know how to offer rest to our souls that are seeking a reliable source – God himself. The first step – is to come.

“Without faith, it is impossible to please Him.” Hebrews 11:6 Faith is vital in beginning a new life in Christ and continues with that essential practice during our entire life. When things are running smooth, we can let our faith relax, and then our guard slips and we get careless. Then, when a trial lands on our doorstep and opens the door for all types of half-truths, mixed truths of heavenly living being invaded by earthy thinking, that raises doubts in our beliefs. “The just shall live by faith, but if anyone draws back, My soul has no pleasure in him.” Let’s get to know the PERSON of Christ with whom our faith must live in a close relationship.

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavily laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 To labor and be heavy burdened are two descriptions of our conditions that most are facing in one area or another. This can be applied to the physical, emotional, and soul – influencing our spirits. Culture is telling us to have third-party encounters with one another through some device that offers opinions and information for man-made solutions. My question is – “Would Jesus walking on earth advise people to learn of Him through someone else, no matter how sincere?” He wants direct communion with each of us, whether as His children needing His comfort and care or as a person controlled by fears needing Him for life itself. In both cases, there is only one judge to know how to offer rest to our souls that are seeking a reliable source – God himself. The first step – is to come.

“With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.” Psalms 119: 10-11 How do you hide God's word in the heart? Romans 12 gives us a clue – Renew your mind in the mind of God – His word. Why is it important to renew our minds? Because only there can we find our purpose in life. Only in God's word do we find God's design for us and how He wants to fashion us into being a part of His family. John 17 tells us the purpose of our being a family. In the prayer between God the Father and God the Son, we hear their love for us as part of their family. Join us as we discuss their conversation.

“If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself.” 2 Timothy 2:13 In the season we are living, having a powerful authority you can depend on for wisdom, in walking through the waters of uncertainty every day, is a tremendous gift to each one who wants to be a part of God’s family. God is love and wants those desiring to accept His gift to also accept His purpose in offering — “all that God is available to every man, woman, boy, or girl that is available to all that God is.” Knowing His attributes and allowing the Scriptures to mold our thinking prepares our minds to be transformed into Christ-like character, which is pleasing to the Father. Let’s take a look at the riches of Christ’s character.

“If indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him, as the Truth is in Jesus.” Ephesians 4:21 How we live is determined by what we believe. If Truth is in Jesus, then why do we have such corruption in our lives? Why do the daily struggles far out way the confident victories that are said to be ours?” There is a saying, “There must be a cross before there can be a crown.” The cross we need to embrace includes giving up our plans for the greater plans of the Savior, bringing our opinions, priorities, and thoughts into alignment with the bigger picture, and knowing what that picture is. The Bible has not left us overwhelmed as to how this is to be accomplished. There are really no excuses for believing a lie as truth when Jesus is our Truth. Study with us today as we see the provisions that we have in trading the old for the new.

“Believe in your heart that God has raised Him (Jesus) from the dead and you will be saved.” Romans 10:9 Beliefs are vital to a person in establishing who they are and this passage deals with the belief of WHO God is. We have blended our beliefs with the cultural and secular world mixing percepts and concepts that will never work together. It is like oil and water. Oil is lighter and floats to the top. Likewise, we enjoy the light and easy ways of blended thinking, rather than searching out what is really necessary for godly living. Today we examine how to make right what is wrong in our thinking so that in everything we do we may be pleasing in God’s sight. For the person still searching find the foundation that offers a solid and fixed way of understanding.

“The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out.” Proverbs 20:5 We know out of the heart proceed all the issues of life, but how does that relate to a heart purpose? Does the heart plan on good or evil? What influences the heart in revealing what is the priority on which the heart thinks? In the physical world a heart not working right brings trouble to all the body and a heart out of balance will also trouble our mind, will, and emotions. Take time out today to consider matters of the heart.

“All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirits.” Proverbs 16:2 We think we have our lives under control from our perspective and need no other help. A few bumps here and there, coping but never soaring, and often wanting to hibernate to escape living with everyday life. Whether it is relationships of being ignored, hassled, or living with the results of our own poor choices, we find a way to survive. We keep everything on the surface but never dig down to the root of the problem. Today we acquaint ourselves with some less obvious defenses while hoping to find a place to land that brings peace. There is a solution!

When you meet someone there is usually an introduction of your name and then something about what you do. It takes a name to make what you do important. Telling someone what you do without a name is incomplete to our identity. Likewise, part of our identity as members of God’s family is our being an ambassador to show people what the family of God should look like in today’s world. Many times, we are displaying a bad “identity” because we are attempting to make ourselves look good rather than reflecting our identity of being IN CHRIST. Who we are reflects what we do. How important is this in our understanding of living?

“The spirit of a man will be his support and sustain him when he is ill, but a broken and crushed spirit, who can bear.” Proverbs 18:14 How do you handle and react to frustration and troubling conflicts? Some explode, some turn their backs and ignore the hurt and pain, others carry it inside and have unusual Defense Mechanisms that are hard to recognize. When we want to be strong in spirit we must be pure in heart. Learning to observe what sounds good may be a cover for a heart that is coping and not really caring. Don’t get trapped in Defense Mechanisms that substitute reality in relationships. We have been given The Great Escape. Let's use it!!

"Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things" Romans 2:1. Defense mechanisms are ways that we react to conflict in order to maintain our self-esteem and avoid anxiety. They are used when we need to reduce emotional conflict or soften feelings of failure or disappointment. However, when we use these mechanisms, they prevent us from moving forward in the joy of the Lord and spiritual growth.

“Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be healthy to your flesh, and strength to your bones.” Proverbs 3:7-8 Denial and Rationalization are two defenses we run to when we believe our own wisdom is the best choice for making decisions. This may not be a deliberate but a place to run to in need to survive and not wanting to work through the difficult disciplines required for change. When scripture is lacking in our life, one of the natural fallbacks is into a pattern of denial and rationalization. You may be rather surprised as you listen to the comfort zone of unbelief!

“The wisdom of the prudent (sensible) is to understand his way but the folly (foolishness) of fools is deceit.” Proverbs 14:8   Christianity has cracked the door open to ways of the world becoming acceptable in the life of the Church, and we don’t even recognize the tangle web that has been woven into our thinking. Rather than accepting the fact that we are called to lay down our lives for others in service and caring from a heart of sacrificial love, we protect ourselves from having to bear one another’s pain. We don’t know how to help others  carry the load that plague the soul and spirit. We are great on helping in the physical needs and we are thankful for that blessing. However, we are body, soul, and spirit. All three parts need to be growing and healthy. Heavenly wisdom give us understanding in tearing down our walls of defense, as we allow the Spirit to make  the heart  of Christ real in our lives.

“For the time will come when people will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths.” 2 Timothy 4:3-4   Modern psychology is the perfect substitute for God playing in our lives with our own intellect and reasoning. There are many different facets that mar our thinking, and some are so “reasonable” the modern-day church accepts and even endorses them. The church family – The Body of Christ is the only source of light in the darkness of human reasoning and logic. One positive note is that even with self-consciousness within weak or carnal Christians there are “pockets” of believers that are standing strong, growing, and ministering to others who are in need. For others. Some are just too busy to get involved with helping someone with their entrapment of worldly values. Some are too ignorant of God’s word and unable to assist in helping to set free people in bondage. Some want to help but don’t know-how and fear keep them silent. Some are being a witness to the Life of Christ within us – Where are you in this line-up?

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6   What is a simple definition of secular Psychology? A study of the natural, our natures, how they function, and how to fix what is wrong.  Sounds like a good idea except they want to solve all our problems with man’s solutions. The thought of seeking the God of Creation according to them is not rational or reasonable. Why, because we are smarter and have done away with those superstitions and myths about God. We are our own god and can make those decisions for ourselves, man can fix man. (no he can’t) Grab pencil and paper to jot down a few ideas that are keeping us in turmoil and trauma in how modern psychology has crept into our church lives.  Know the facts as history describes and then see the pattern that leads us down the path of failure.  Do Christians have another option and can we mix secular psychology with a Biblical worldview? The answers may surprise you.

“Don’t let others spoil your faith and joy with their philosophies, their wrong and shallow answers built on men’s thoughts and ideas, instead of on what Christ has said. For in Christ there is all of God in a human body; so you have everything when you know Christ and you are filled with God through your union with Christ. He is the highest Ruler, with authority over every other power.” Colossians 2: 8-9 So what is the purpose of a Christian in these hard times? We talk about changing our troubled culture, but most do not have any idea  – how to and what to change. As Christians, we are to know and understand the blindness and how we got these cultural views. We are to understand and explain to blinded hearts and minds how our lives are making choices that dethrone God Almighty. We cannot allow our faith and joy to bring us down into negativity, depression, and questioning; How Then Should We Live.” As we reflect on man’s attempt to bring about a social society that resolves all man’s problems, let’s search for the real answers that are found in God alone.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness. Therefore, I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” 2 Corinthians 12:9-10   One of the beliefs we entertain and promote is the religious lie that to be spiritual and useful in our walk with the Lord as believers, we must be spiritual giants. The greater the gifts, the more powerful the preaching and teaching, and the more popular and well-known our own ministry qualifies us as Christians living with a 4-star approval rating. RUBBISH! Our Bible is filled with calling our attention to daily dying to self, decreasing in the importance of “MY” ministry, being willing to suffer, and allowing Christ and His character to take center stage in every aspect of our lives. Settle back in quietly waiting on the Lord for His mind as we look at how God is shaping us into His image through ways that differ from the popular belief that “Bigger is always Better.”

“Do not lie one to another since you have put off the old man with his deeds.” Colossians 3:9 How many of us have experienced, The Blame Game: “It’s your fault”, “You made me so mad” ”You hurt my feelings or you don’t meet my needs” Have these thoughts ever crossed your mind and you used the silent treatment to make someone feel guilty?” How about lashing out in a verbal frenzy assuring the other person they are wrong?  Sounds crazy but many do this? As we accuse one another do those same pitiful arguments go back to our God for His “mistreatment” of us? Living lies is the surest way to the door of misery, anger, anxiety, and blinding us to the Truth. Is it a lie that we must earn God’s love? Is it okay to get impatient with God’s timing on how He is working in other lives?” Come investigate how we accept lies to avoid pain and suffering. Learn how we are bombarded daily with lies to keep us under the control of the enemy. Don’t let lies believed as truth affect you as if they were true, even though they are lies.”

“Do not lie to each other. You have left your old sinful life and the things you did before.” Colossians 3:9 Biblical meaning of a lie: To practice deceit, falsehood, and treachery either by word or action. It is the exact opposite of the truth. The sanctity of truth is fundamental in biblical teaching since it is based on the nature and character of God. Therefore, to despise truth is to despise God, and the Scriptures treat this topic with profound seriousness. “A LIE BELIEVED AS TRUTH WILL AFFECT YOUR LIFE AS TRUTH EVEN THOUGH IT IS A LIE.” Some in Secular Society will give you a half-truth – misguided facts - still a lie Some in relationships will color the “facts” so as not to anger or offend – still lies Some will pass on “information” that is not checked out and pass it on as truth – still a lie Some cannot stand the light of Truth – so will speak from a heart of darkness – filled with lies. The Bible says Satan is the Father of Lies. There are many avenues where a person can tell “lies” and believe no harm will happen. Look deep into your heart today as we discuss the “lies of the world” that are not limited to those outside of Christianity but find our old sinful lifestyle still “living a lie.”