Grace And Peace: Heart To Heart

Light illuminates and allows one to see. No matter how dark it may be, light dispels the darkness.  Matthew 5:15 tells us, Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house.  Matthew 6:22goes on to say, The eye is the lamp of the body. If your eyes are healthy, your whole body will be full of light.

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works. (Tit 2:11-14).                                                                                          ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Over the years, I've come to rely on the use of acronymns.  I'd like for us to examine two of them now: GRACE = God's Riches at Christ's Expense. PEACE = Provisions Extended Appropriately Currently (and) Eternally.   References:  Romans1:16-23, Galatians 1:3, Ephesians 1:2, 1 Pe. 1:2, 2 Pe.1:2, 2 Thes. 2:2.

Trusting God in the muck and mire of life can be a challenge. Do we dare trust Him when we can't see in front of us?  Proverbs 3:5 and Romans 8 are the scripture references.  Zenobia also shares from Carol Cymbala's song, He's Been Faithful to Me. To call in during the show, dial (563) 999-3623.

After a long hiatus of a series of very unexpected "appointments" and a cross-country move, I am excited to be able to return to the Podcast. Today's episode will examine themes of social standing that many wrestle with. The themes of the haves and the have nots...The themes that leave the impression that the wicked prosper and the faithful do not. Psalm 73 will be our main focus. To call in during the show, dial (563) 999-3623.

Today's episode examines how this could have happened.  Our author opens this next reading with the subtitle, Understanding the Real Problem, followed by Misguided Assumptions, including blame.  Laaser refernces 1 Corinthians 4:5 which states: Judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of people's hearts. To call in during the show dial 563.999.3558.

Who has believed what he has heard from us, And to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed? For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace...             ~  Isaiah 53       

Episode Eight   "Be still and know that I am God..."                   ~ Psalm 46:10   The healing journey involves three components:  My Safe Place; His Safe Place; and Our Safe Place.  Our author helps us examine all three. To call in during the show: 563.999.3558.  

Episode Seven... "Boundaries" is where we'll start today's segment, reading Shattered Vows.  The framing of boundaries to help govern relationships can be beneficial and are something that we all should keep in mind for ourselves and respect those set by others. On the other hand, ill framed boundaries can contribute to the ruin of relationships. Laaser shares questions that she has found often arise concerning finances, children, and oneself in this time of marital, often family crisis.  As so many know, "the pain endured from sexual betrayal can break your heart, but it does not need to break your life."   To call in during the show, dial: (563) 999-3558.

Episode Six...   Today, we hear Debbie Laaser's perspective regarding something that is all too often an issue for women, no matter where we find ourselves: CONTROL. Let's dive in.  

Episode Five Thank you for joining me, today.  What Am I Supposed to Do Now... First Steps for the Brokenhearted is being presented a day earlier than usual. Our last segment ended with a broad sweep of the practical quesstions that many wives find themselves asking at the start of their "discovery."  Our author, Debbie Laser, leads us through a deeper examination of some of the questions that typically arise concerning husbands, children, and the wives, themselves, in the midst of the unveiling.          To call in during the show, dial: (563) 999-3558.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

"Consider the ravens: Thy do not sow or reap, they have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more valuable you are than birds!"                   ~ Luke12:14   Episode Four Today's reading opens with Chapter One of Debbie Laaser's Shattered Vows, a personal journey of Laaser's betrayal. Over the years, she has done extensive work with hundreds of hurting women. Two decades after the disclosure of her husband's infidelity, she enjoys an intimate marriage and provides "meaningful answers to questions that arise from the complex fallout of broken vows."

Episode 3 Debbie Laaser offers hope and healing to women who have been sexually betrayed.  Her extensive work with hundreds of hurting women, and her intimate marriage two decades after the disclosure of her husband's infidelity, provide meaningful answers to the questions that arise amid the complex fallout of broken vows."  As so many know, "the pain endured from sexual betrayal can break your heart, but it does not need to break your life."   To call in during the show, dial: (563) 999-3558.

Debbie Laaser brings hope and healing for women who have been sexually betrayed, through 245 pages, entitled, Shattered Vows.  Her personal journey "through betrayal, her extensive work with hundreds of hurting women, and her intimate marriage two decades after the disclosure of her husband's infidelity provide meaningful answers tot he questions that arise amid the complex fallout of broken vows." As so many know, "the pain endured from sexual betrayal can break your heart, but it does not need to break your life."  Shattered Vows will be read in its entirety. To call in during the show, dial: (563) 999-3558.

Debbie Laaser brings hope and healing for women who have been sexually betrayed, through 245 pages, entitled, Shattered Vows.  Her personal journey "through betrayal, her extensive work with hundreds of hurting women, and her intimate marriage two decades after the disclosure of her husband's infidelity provide meaningful answers to the questions that arise amid the complex fallout of broken vows...the pain endured from sexual betrayal can break your heart, but it does not need to break your life."  Shattered Vows will be read in its entirety. To call in during the show, dial: (563) 999-3558.

Today, we continue to snatch glimpses from A Mother's Heart, by Jean Fleming.  Mary White authored the book's Foreword which says, in part, "Jean taught me the importance of giving extended time to review each child's strengths and needs, and then to make a plan to develop the strengths and meet the needs.I observed her encourage her children and stimualte them to develop physically, artistically, and socially," Whether we have tots, teens, tweens, adults, or in between, mothers benefit from encouragement and support. Fleming will do just that, for all of us.

A Mother's Heart, by Jean Fleming launches our next book series. Mary White authored the Foreword which says, in part, "Jean taught me the importance of giving extended time to review each child's strengths and needs, and then to make a plan to develop the strengths and meet the needs.I observed her encourage her children and stimualte them to develop physically, artistically, and socially," Whether we have tots, teens, tweens, adults, or in between, mothers benefit from encouragement and support. Fleming will do just that, for all of us.

Some of the lyrics to a favorite song say: Everyday is a day of thanksgiving. God's been so good to me, everyday He's blessing me. Everyday is a day of thanksgiving; take the time to glorify the Lord today. I thank God for the moments when I worship His name, I thank Him for the sacrifice of praise. It's no mystery to say, how my God is everyday; making my way through clouds so dark, bringing His light into my heart. He keeps blessing me, blessing me... Take the time to glorify the Lord, glorify the Lord, glorify the Lord today. If you would like to call during the podcast, dial 563.999.3558. *Selections from Psalm 95 and 104   

A dictionary meaning of stewardship is "the responsible overseeing and protection of something considered worth caring for and preserving; the position and duties of a steward, a person who acts as the surrogate of another or others. Today, I am interviewing Najja E. Brown, founder and executive director of Yield to the King Ministry, a non-profit organization,  Najja would be the first to tell us to not let the title confuse us. She's no different than you or me and this is precisely why I invited her at this juncture of our podcast series, having spent the last two segments looking at Kingdom Stewardship, by Tony Evans. Ms. Evans Brown, a mother, grandmother, sister, niece, Godmother, and friend to many, learned to apply the biblical teachings and principles of financial stewardship early in her Christian walk. She has long believed that everything belongs to the Lord and gives her time, talents, and treasure back to Him. The focal point for this segment is the question, Does stewardship belong to

                                                      Far too many believers with means spend far too much time enjoying                                                         God's generosity and far too little time using His divinely bestowed                                                               gifts of time, talents, and treasures to minister to others and                                                                          advance His agenda as His Kingdom stewards.                                                                                                       Dr. Tony Evans   Ttoday's podcast experienced some "human" frailties, courtesy of yours truly.  This promotional piece was corrected and placed after the broadcast.  Enjoy a chuckle or two as you listen.  I am grateful that you choose to join in.  Phone (563) 999-3558, during the broadcast, with your comments and/or questions.

Yesterday's broadcast was postponed.  However, we are continuing to reading from Tony Evans' Kingdom Stewardship.  Last week, we paused at Dr. Evans' Top Ten Tips to Reduce Expenses and Manage Money as a kingdom steward. They are: 1.   Paying off debt 2.   Reducing Entertainment Costs 3.   Use cash 4.   Pay off car or home 5.   Select an economical car 6.   Purchase energy saving lightbulbs 7.   Prepare meals at home 8.   Fund short term savings 9.   Shop for cost effective insurance premiums 10. Pursue weight loss programs God's way Comments and questions are welcomed. Phone (563) 999-3558 during the broadcast.