Mentoring Matters

“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.

Luke 9:51 “He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem.”

The word steadfast means resolutely or dutifully firm and unwavering. The characterizations of our Lord is that He set His face to fulfill the eternal resolve and purpose of His life. Every day that Jesus lived here on earth, He lived in anticipation of the shameful death by crucifixion. He was unwavering, even at 12 years old, to be about His Father’s business.

The steadfast love of Christ is marked by His commitment to go to the Cross. The Cross finished the work that the Father had given Him to do. His life was one of enduring discipline, sustained by the Father, for the benefit of the whole world for generations to come.

“For the Son of Man did not come to destroy men’s lives but to save them” Luke 9:56.

“All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction for instruction, in righteousness.” 2 Timothy 3:16

We hear people quote this verse and then turn around and refuse to apply these very words in their lives. The Bible is GOD breath, they are His words in the original text, but don’t use words of wisdom on me when I am bitter from circumstances that make me anxious, angry, and unforgiving.

To replace bitterness with a peace we ought to LISTEN TO HIS WORDS as they DO matter.  We are told to GUARD OUR WORDS and make sure what we said is what you heard with the meaning we intended, otherwise we ignore the Grace of God.

Join us in today’s conversation as we dig into why words matter in going FROM ANXIETY to PEACE.

“Be Anxious for Nothing but in Everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving let your request be made known” Philippians 4:6

In these changing times, problems are commonplace and anxieties can overwhelm. These words, “Be Anxious for Nothing” addresses a situation within the church at Philippi between 2 women. The resolve was to be anxious for nothing and go to God for everything.

Whether then or now the Word of God remains timeless for the solutions to live in peace and be a guard for our hearts and minds.

Let’s relieve the stress and tension that resides within us today as we apply the counsel from the Scriptures to live free from FEAR and Anxiety.

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.” Philippians 4:6

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.

“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.

“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

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.