Mentoring Matters

“Believe in your heart that God has raised Him (Jesus) from the dead and you will be saved.” Romans 10:9 https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/MM_2025_03_07_Beliefs-Revealed.mp3 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, easy ways of blended thinking, rather than searching out what is truly necessary...

“The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out.” Proverbs 20:5 https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/MM_2025_02_28_Purpose-of-Heart.mp3 We know that out of the heart proceed all the issues of life, but how does that relate to a heart's purpose? Does the heart plan on good or evil? What influences the heart in revealing what the priority is on which the heart thinks? In the physical world, a heart not working properly brings trouble to the whole body, and an out-of-balance heart also troubles our mind, will, and emotions. Take time out tod...

“All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirits.” Proverbs 16:2 https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/MM_2025_02_21_Tearing-Down-Defenses.mp3 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 in a relationship where we are being ignored, hassled, or if we are living with the results of our own poor choices, we find a way to survive. We keep everything on the surface...

"Now then we are ambassadors for Christ,  as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God." 2 Corinthians 5:20 https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/MM_2025_02_14_Recognizing-Defenses.mp3 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 to be ambassadors, showing people what the family of God should look...

“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 https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/MM_2025_02_07_Self-Defense-Mechanisms.mp3 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...

“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, makin...

“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 https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/MM_2025_01_17_Denial-and-Rationalization.mp3 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 choice, but a place to run to in times of need, when survival is the priority and change is not desired. Surviving sometimes takes precedence over working through difficult disciplines for ultimate change.  When scripture is lac...

“The wisdom of the prudent (sensible) is to understand his way, but the folly (foolishness) of fools is deceit.” Proverbs 14:8 https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/MM_2025_01_10_Christian-Psychology.mp3 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 tangled 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...

“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 https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/MM_2025_01_03_Modren-Psychology.mp3 Modern psychology is the perfect substitute for God playing in our lives with our own intellect and reasoning. Many different facets mar our thinking, and some are so “reasonable” that the modern-day church accepts and even endorses them. T...

“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 https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/MM_2025_12_27_Psychology-1.mp3 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 smar...

“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 https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/MM_2025_12_20_Tools-of-Vain-Philosophy.mp3 So what is the purpose of a Christian in these hard times? We talk about changing our troubled...

“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 min...

“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 g...

“Do not lie to each other. You have left your old sinful life and the things you did before.” Colossians 3:9 https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/MM_2025_11_29_Secular-Lies.mp3 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 THOU...

“Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the traditions of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ” Colossians 2:8 https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/MM_2025_11_22_Goals-of-Secular-Humanism.mp3 What comprises vain philosophy and empty deceit? At the entry-level is Humanism – traditions having basic concepts that make man a law unto himself.  He can solve all problems, so there is no need for God. We are not sure just how this is working. Tune in and help evaluate the goals for “good” through Humanism.

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. And knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” Proverbs 9:10 https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/WTW_2025_11_15_Running-the-Race-Well-1.mp3 Our world, in general, has lost or denied the fear of the Lord. Without that wisdom, we are open to man’s wisdom, and the most common definition is “Humanism: faith in man, in science, in education.” Man will use reason, not divine revelation, as the guide for moral action and education, resulting in deception… Trusting in man is seen in many practical examples. Many Christians buy into humanistic thinking and have weakened their moral...

In John 1:1, The Word of God is declared to be GOD – “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/MM_2025_11_08_Jesus-is-the-Word.mp3 John 1:14 The Word became flesh in the person of Jesus Christ – “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 14:6 Confirms life that lasts comes through Jesus Christ from God the Father – “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Fat...

Isaiah 30:15: “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and confidence shall be your strength.” https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MM_2025_11_01_The-Word-is-Enough.mp3 The closing portion of that verse says BUT YOU WOULD NOT. Why would anyone want to reject that counsel? As believers, we want a secure relationship with Almighty God and enjoy all the blessings He provides for His family. When we read this counsel from the Bible but choose not to apply it, we lack understanding or simply do not believe it is our final authority. We then turn onto a detour that takes us down...

“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” Hebrews 4:12 https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MM_2025_10_25_Sufficient-Truths-of-Scripture.mp3 The definition of “sufficiency” is adequate to do the purpose intended or to meet a need. 2 Peter defines this as “seeing that His divine power has granted to us everything pertaining to life and godliness through the true knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and excellence.” The scripture...

“And this is eternal life, that they may KNOW You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent.” John 17:3 https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MM_2025_10_18_Everlasting-Truth.mp3 To know everlasting Truth, you need to know who and what is Truth, according to the author of Truth. Many today know about the God of Truth without having a personal and intimate relationship with Him. Facts are great, but they will never hold up in difficult days without having the life of Truth in our hearts and minds. John 1:1 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with Go...

Romans 5:3-5 “We glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character, and character, hope. Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.” https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MM_2025_10_11_Progression-Towards-Maturity.mp3 This week on Sharin’ Hearts Mentoring Matters, Janie and Sharon discuss the process we all go through as we mature in Christ. Maturity is not an instant quality we can claim. Our lives are all about learning in every growth stage. Before we can begin our growth toward maturity, we mus...

"Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it" Ephesians 2:9 https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/MM_2025_10_04_The-Scriptures-Plus.mp3 The culture that we live in contributes to shaping our worldview, which is why the Bible tells us to be separate from this world. But the results of a recent Gallup Poll showed that 76% of Christians do not believe the Bible is the foundational absolute truth. Psalm 19 tells us what the Scriptures will do to help us establish a Biblical worldview and find those places in our hearts where we have...

“A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good, and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth evil for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” Luke 6:45 https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/MM_2025_09_27_Building-a-Biblical-Worldview.mp3 As we establish a Biblical Worldview, there are principles we use to decide what builds us up and what can tear us down in knowing the mind of God. Many folks are greatly influenced by what others think, and so we gather our information from unreliable sources. Proverbs 18:4 “A person’s words ca...

Colossians 2:8 “Beware, lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ.” https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/MM_2025_09_20_Foundations-in-a-Worldview.mp3 To have a foundation that will stand on solid rock and not be sifted like wind-blown sands, we need to see areas where compromised thinking can get us into some real trouble. Whether it is rational applications as your final authority, logic according to changing facts, or media madness consuming a large part of our days, and some nights, we find our mind...

“Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage” Galatians 5:1 https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/MM_2025_09_13_Culture-Influences-Beliefs.mp3 The word entangle intrigues me as it means to become twisted together or caught up in a trap, a snare, a jumble, or muddled.  In our world, this may include anything from a spider web, fishing nets, traffic jams, or even relationships involving different worldviews. We have been given by Jesus Christ liberty and freedom to stand fast in how we live, but we find ourselves entrapped is miss...

“Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” Mark 16:15 https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/MM_2025_09_06_Culture-Invades-the-Church.mp3 This week on Mentoring Matters, Janie and Sharon discuss how the world’s culture has invaded the church. We have become comfortable with simply inviting people to church so they can hear the gospel rather than being responsible for sharing the gospel with them ourselves. In the conversation, we discuss the reasons why we have become afraid to share in the marketplace. As you listen, look for ways that fear may dictate how you speak to others and the compr...

“Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you…be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you” Eph. 4:31-32 https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/MM_2025_08_30_The-Root-of-Anger.mp3 Everyone has basic needs, but when they are not met, and then anger and hurt often ensue. Over the course of time, unmet needs are stored in a part of the brain that remembers the negativity in life that triggers anger. Along with needs, people are entitled to basic rights, but when those rights are violated, then hurt and anger are th...

“A sound heart is life to the body, but envy is rottenness to the bones” Proverbs 14:30 https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/MM_2025_08_23_The-Dangers-of-Anger.mp3 Anger is one of the most basic emotions that traps our hearts and adds more negative emotions to our problems, starting a roller coaster ride taking us up and down through, . Confusion in our beliefs, . Suspicions regarding others because we have assumed conclusions without having all the facts, . Relying on partial truths that attack our thinking with lies we believe to be true. To get off this roller coaster ride, the book of Proverbs in the Bible...

“Do not associate with a man given to anger, or go with a hot-tempered man, or you will learn his ways and find a snare for yourself.” Proverbs 22:24-25 https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/MM_2025_08_16_Anger-to-Apathy.mp3 Anger begins with an EXPECTATION of what we want, think we need, shocked at something or someone that causes pain to us. We all battle anger at some point. Telling a person to control their anger is like trying to pet a porcupine – porcupines are best left alone, and so are those who are chronically angry. Some people who are angry blow up, and so...

“Be angry, and do not sin. Mediate within your heart on your bed, and be still.” Psalms 4:4 https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/MM_2025_08_09_Anger-without-Sin.mp3 So many physical functions within the body occur during the hours of sleep. Going to bed with a hot temper, or maybe just frustrated, irritated, or annoyed, will keep the body from resting and restoring a person to meet the challenges of a new day. We go against the very design given by our Creator. Now is a great time to evaluate and examine how to recognize the little signs and symptoms that cause us to ch...

“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 https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/MM_2025_08_02_From-Anxiety-to-Peace.mp3 We hear people quote this verse and then turn around and refuse to apply these very words in their lives. The Bible is GOD breathed; 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 peace, we ought to listen to His Words; they do matter.  It is im...

“Be Anxious for Nothing but in Everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving let your request be made known” Philippians 4:6 https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/MM_2025_07_26_Fear-and-Anxiety.mp3 In these changing times, problems are commonplace, and anxieties can overwhelm. These words, “Be Anxious for Nothing,” address 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 tensio...

“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 rea...

“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 https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/MM_2025_07_12_Steps-to-Maturity.mp3 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 ea...

“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. https://sharinhearts.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/MM_2025_07_05_Complete-in-Him.mp3 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...

“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 committin...

“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-1.mp3 This verse is an encouragement to read Revelation and to hear the words of its 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 b...

“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 t...

“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 unde...

“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 brin...