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THE TWELVE LAWS OF LIFE RECOVERY | Powerlessness

REACHING HURTING WOMEN MINISTRIES OFFERS FOUR TOPICS FOR CONTEMPLATION EVERY MONTH. EACH TOPIC IS A 12-MONTH STUDY ASSIGNED TO A SPECIFIC FRIDAY OF THE MONTH. IN MONTHS WITH FIVE FRIDAYS WE REVIEW INSPIRATIONAL CHRISTIAN MEDIA.
On the third Friday of each month in 2022 we’re focusing our life recovery work on The Twelve Laws of Life Recovery: God’s Wisdom and Guidance for Your Journey with Stephen Arterburn and David Stoop. This powerful study will take our life recovery to a level of freedom most of us haven’t yet experienced.

THE TWELVE LAWS OF LIFE RECOVERY 

Each month in this study we’ll look at one of the twelve laws that will guide us toward a specific RESULT. THE RESULT will fill our lives with love, gratitude and serenity. This powerful study of GOD’S  RECOVERY LAWS will take US to a level of freedom most of us haven’t yet experienced.

THE LAW OF POWERLESSNESS 

REQUIREMENT: powerlessness

RESULT: strength

“The law of powerlessness says that, if you truly understand and acknowledge that you are powerless, you are about to be provided with real strength.” ~ The Twelve Laws of Life Recovery

But He answered me, “My grace is always more than enough for you, and my power finds its full expression through your weakness.” So I will celebrate my weaknesses, for when I’m weak I sense more deeply the mighty power of Christ living in me. ~ 2 Corinthians 12:9

WEAKNESS BECOMES STRENGTH

Even the foolishness of God is wiser than men. Even the weakness of God is stronger than men. ~ 1 Corinthians 1:25

“If you are feeling weaker than you have ever felt, you are right in the place where God does his very best work.” ~ The Twelve Laws of Life Recovery

The idea of powerlessness can be uncomfortable because it makes us feel like we are helpless or weak. God turns our areas of weakness into strength when we give them to Him. As we recognize that we don’t have any power over the weak areas of our life, we will find the gift of great strength from God.

IMPOSSIBLE BECOMES POSSIBLE

Jesus responded, “What appears humanly impossible is more than possible with God. For God can do what man cannot.” ~ Luke 18:27

“The more impossible something seems, the more possible it is with the strength of God empowering you.”  ~ The Twelve Laws of Life Recovery

In God’s kingdom things are counterintuitive from the way of the world. The world tries to tell us that our powerlessness is hopeless; that it will never change, that we will always be this way. But God’s Word tells us what is impossible with humans is more than possible with God!

Does your life seem hopeless?
Do you have an impossible circumstance to overcome?
Are you feeling powerless in some area today?

 

Then I have good news for you! God has been waiting for you to come to the end of yourself and call upon Him. He is inviting you to admit and accept that powerlessness. Confess your weaknesses to God. Let Him strengthen you as you reach out to Him.

Contemplate your powerlessness resulting in strength and allow God’s mighty power to come into your life today!

As you contemplate what God is revealing to you, I pray you’ll be blessed by this perfect song for today by The Response.

RESOURCES:

THE TWELVE LAWS OF LIFE RECOVERY: God’s Wisdom and Guidance for Your Journey by Stephen Arterburn and David Stoop

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BOOK STUDY | GRACE: The Power of the Gospel | THE GOOD NEWS!

REACHING HURTING WOMEN MINISTRIES OFFERS FOUR TopicS FOR CONTEMPLATION EVERY MONTH OF THE YEAR. EACH Topic IS A 12-MONTH STUDY SERIES ASSIGNED TO A SPECIFIC FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH. IN MONTHS WITH FIVE FRIDAYS I’LL BE REVIEWING VARIOUS INSPIRATIONAL CHRISTIAN MEDIA.
On the second Friday of each month in 2022 we’re studying Andrew Wommack’s life-changing book: GRACE: The Power of the Gospel. In this study we will dig into the New Testament book of Romans — Apostle Paul’s masterpiece on the subject of grace. I pray you will get a copy of Andrew’s book and join me for this study. Today we highlight Chapter One: The Good News.

I am not ashamed of the Good News. It is the power God uses to save everyone who believes—to save the Jews first, and then to save the non-Jews. The Good News shows how God makes people right with himself. God’s way of making people right with him begins and ends with faith. ~ Romans 1:16-17

THE GOOD NEWS

Some preachers today have turned the Gospel of Jesus Christ into bad news. When in reality it is not only good news, but the almost too good to be true news. If someone is teaching that to be right with God you have to do anything outside of believing and accepting what Christ has done for you, that isn’t the true Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Ministers that teach this message are like the Roman believers of Paul’s day who were mixing the Old Testament law with Christianity. They believed that to be in right standing with God they had to still follow all the rules of the law. When all they had to do was accept God’s grace by faith.

GRACE EQUALS THE SALVATION GOSPEL

“If you’re  trying to be justified by anything other than faith in Christ, then you aren’t believing the true Gospel.”  ~ Andrew Wommack

True Christianity is set apart from other religions by the grace of Christ. Rather than our salvation being based on good behavior or because of the work we have done or how well we have lived our life; Paul makes it clear that none of us can live up to the law’s standards. It’s impossible to save ourselves.

That’s why we need a Savior. That’s why we all need Jesus!

No one earns God’s righteousness. It can only be transferred when we no longer rely on our own works, but believe in the one who powerfully declares the ungodly to be righteous in his eyes. It is faith that transfers God’s righteousness into your account! ~ Romans 4:5 (TPT)

With this study I will also be sharing some of Andrew Wommack’s YouTube video teaching series Grace: The Power Of The Gospel. There are 30 videos in this series. So I will do my best to choose videos that line up with our chapter lessons. Be blessed with this video.

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THE TEN COMMANDMENTS STUDY | Introduction

REACHING HURTING WOMEN MINISTRIES OFFERS FOUR TopicS FOR CONTEMPLATION EVERY MONTH OF THE YEAR.
EACH Topic IS A 12-MONTH STUDY SERIES ASSIGNED TO A SPECIFIC FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH. IN MONTHS WITH FIVE FRIDAYS I’LL BE REVIEWING VARIOUS INSPIRATIONAL MEDIA.
On the first Friday of each month in 2022 we’re studying The Ten Commandments. Join me as we take a fresh look at some of the most important Scripture in the Bible. We will learn why we need to study, put to memory and obey them. We start today with our Introduction to The Ten Commandments Study. Enjoy…
With our world in an abounding state of lawlessness and immorality what better time to take a serious look at, what are widely considered to be, the best moral code for humanity. Over the next twelve months we will study each of the Ten Commandments individually in depth. 

  • Rebellious People

The Lord God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it.  But the Lord God warned him, “You may freely eat the fruit of every tree in the garden— except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat its fruit, you are sure to die.” ~ Genesis 2:15-17

Worldly and Christian people alike are opposed to moral laws being imposed on their lives. Humanity from the beginning of time, rebelled against rules. Even Adam and Eve, with basically only one rule to follow, couldn’t keep it. Today’s modern culture tries to tell us what’s right or wrong. What in the past was always right is now being taught in schools and media to be wrong and vice versa. Without God as the Highest Source and Authority behind them The Ten Commandments would be powerless and subjective to individual beliefs.

  • The Father Knows Best

 And the Lord our God commanded us to obey all these decrees and to fear him so he can continue to bless us and preserve our lives, as he has done to this day. ~ Deuteronomy 6:24

Without a set of rules to guide them, people will eventually perish. The sad and frustrating thing is we have been given the best moral code handwritten by the divine Creator of all humanity.  If God created us, doesn’t He have the right to make the laws? Like a Good Father, God lovingly gave us ten basic and really simple rules to follow. If we all could just do that, our world would be a much happier and better place.

  • Why Study The Ten Commandments

Pay attention: I’m teaching you the rules and regulations that God commanded me, so that you may live by them in the land you are entering to take up ownership. Keep them. Practice them. You’ll become wise and understanding. When people hear and see what’s going on, they’ll say, “What a great nation! So wise, so understanding! We’ve never seen anything like it.” ~ Deuteronomy 4:5-6 (MSG)

There was a time in the early 20th Century when most people at least were aware of The Ten Commandments. They might not have been able to recite them from memory. But at least they knew the basics. Sadly, today the majority of people are completely ignorant when it comes to God’s Top Ten Rules for life. Most mainstream churches, even evangelical churches, shy away from teaching God’s Law. If we as Christians, and as a nation, want to see life change for the better, we must begin by going back to the basics. The Ten Commandments are central to not only New Testament ethics but for civilian ethics alike. The most important reason why we should study The Ten Commandments… God’s Law is good for us. We should want to know it!

  • Why Obey The Ten Commandments

Be strong and brave. Be sure to obey all the teachings my servant Moses gave you. If you follow them exactly, you will be successful in everything you do.  ~ Joshua 1:7

It’s not only important that we study and learn The Ten Commandments, we need to put them into practice by obeying them in our everyday life. As Christians we are God’s people. And to be His people we must be set apart and follow His ways. When He gave the Israelites His Law, God was sharing His Father’s heart with us. He is telling us what is important to Him. We must honor that. Most importantly, God loves us and wants the best for us. We need to trust He know what is best and obey Him!

  • The Ten Commandments Can Turn Our Life Around

The Lord’s teachings are perfect.
    They give new strength.
The Lord’s rules can be trusted.
    They make plain people wise.
 The Lord’s orders are right.
    They make people happy.
The Lord’s commands are pure.
    They light up the way.
 It is good to respect the Lord.
    That respect will last forever.
The Lord’s judgments are true.
    They are completely right.
 They are worth more than gold,
    even the purest gold.
They are sweeter than honey,
    even the finest honey.
 They tell your servant what to do.
    Keeping them brings great reward. ~ Psalm 19:7-11

In essence, by following The Ten Commandments, one can almost be guaranteed an enjoyable life. If we as a human race would but embrace, put to memory and walk out these basic life rules our individual, family, and work life; local, national and international communities; would all be so much more productive and happy.

Join me over the next year as we dig in and study each of The Ten Commandments. We will learn how to easily put them to memory and apply them to our daily lives so we can be happy and healthy citizens of our world!

Take a few minutes and enjoy this excellent teaching from Dennis Prager on The Ten Commandments.

RESOURCES:

The Evidence Bible

The Thompson Chain Reference Bible

The Rational Bible: Genesis by Dennis Prager

The Rational Bible: Exodus by Dennis Prager

The 10 Commandments: What They Mean, Why They Matter, and Why we Should Obey Them by Kevin DeYoung

Pathway to Freedom: How God’s Laws Guide Our Lives by Alistair Begg

The Ten Commandments: Reasonable Rules for Life by Dwight L. Moody

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PREVIEW RHW 2022

Welcome to RHW 2022!

I’m super excited and motivated about the 2022 theme and topics of study! I believe the focus God has put on my heart for the upcoming year is very timely and will benefit many of us.

The Reaching Hurting Women Ministry continues to offer four themes for contemplation each month. The yearly themes and weekly topics focus on what God is teaching me in my personal walk with Him as well as my current life recovery work and journey. It’s my hope and prayer along the way that my columns will help other women who may be struggling in their journey as well.

A few months ago, I was contemplating the lawlessness abounding in our world when God pricked my heart with a reminder of the 10 Commandments. I thought about how Jesus fulfilled that law and the grace we as believers enjoy and the freedom it brings to us in our everyday lives. Then this sentence came to me:

Without God’s law and grace there is no opportunity for recovery from any addiction and therefore no true freedom!

Immediately I knew what I needed to focus on for the upcoming year.

Here is a preview of the RHW 2022 theme and what to expect each month:

GOD’S LAW, GRACE AND FREEDOM

    • 1st Friday of Each Month: The Ten Commandments Study

In The Ten Commandments Study we are going to take a deep dive into the study of God’s law as given to Moses in the book of Exodus. We will learn why The Ten Commandments are as important today as they were when God gave them thousands of years ago. We will discuss why we should not only study them, but know and follow them to make a better, safer and happier society.

    • 2nd Friday of Each Month: BOOK STUDY: Grace: The Power of the Gospel by Andrew Wommack

In our book study this year, we are going through, what I believe will be, a life changing study for myself and those who join. Andrew Wommack is a powerful and anointed teacher of God’s Word and his book Grace: The Power of the Gospel looks to be amazing. It is a deep study of the first eight chapters of the New Testament book of Romans which was written by the Apostle Paul. This is going to be really good!

    • 3rd Friday of Each Month: The Twelve Laws of Life Recovery with Stephen Arterburn

For my addiction recovery work in 2022, I’m going through The Twelve Laws of Life Recovery by Stephen Arterburn and David Stoop. I’ve been using the Life Recovery Bible and their excellent spin-off books since 2005. In this study we will learn how each of the laws of recovery has a requirement and produces a reliable outcome. I hope you will join me in this study. I believe this book is going to be a game changer for my recovery journey.

    • 4th Friday of Each Month: God’s Law, Grace and Our Freedom

Just like there are laws of physics that govern the universe and the planet, and laws of nature that govern the plant and animal kingdoms, there are biblical laws given by God that govern the human race. In this study we are going to look at the history of humanity from the Bible and see how God’s laws, man’s acceptance or rebellion of those laws impacted life. We will see how God’s law and the grace that has come to us through Christ are connected. And how God’s law and grace brings us the true freedom we are all looking for. It’s going to be powerful.

    • 5th Friday Months:  Reviews

Over the years in months with five Fridays I’ve reviewed many books.  Two years ago I began reviewing inspirational Christian music. And last year I found some great movies to add to my review mix.  I’m excited to see what God will put in my path this year that I can share with you in my Review column.

I’m super excited and honestly more motivated for this upcoming year that I have been in a long time. I believe God is going to do some amazing things not only in my own life, but in the lives of the women who join me on this journey. I’m looking forward to a wonderful year in the Lord together. Join me and bring along a friend!

Contemplate the freedom offered by Christ with this Hillsong Worship video below. I pray God’s many blessings upon you and your family for this coming year and always… Tamara

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REVIEW | THE MOST RELUCTANT CONVERT: The Untold Story of C.S.Lewis

REACHING HURTING WOMEN MINISTRIES OFFERS FOUR THEMES FOR CONTEMPLATION EVERY MONTH OF THE YEAR. EACH OF THE FOUR POWER-PACKED THEMES ARE A 12-MONTH STUDY SERIES ASSIGNED TO A SPECIFIC FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH. IN MONTHS WITH FIVE FRIDAYS I REVIEW TOUCHING INSPIRATIONAL MEDIA.
TODAY WE’RE LOOKING AT A WONDERFUL NEW FILM.

 

THE MOST RELUCTANT CONVERT: The Untold Story of C.S. Lewis

 

 

 

 

In this poignant autobiographical docudrama, Max McLean beautifully portrays C.S.Lewis narrating highlights of his distinguished life. The Most Reluctant Convert excellently relives the childhood, scholarly education and thought-provoking spiritual birth of one of the 20th Century’s well-known Christian apologists.

The Most Reluctant Convert begins in an unusual fashion with a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the movie. At first I was taken back by this being at the beginning. But after the film ended it made perfect sense.

In a one-on-one conversation with the audience, C.S. Lewis goes down memory lane sharing his remarkable life story. He recounts many life-changing events along with their captivating backstories.

The production of The Most Reluctant Convert stands out with its exquisite cinematography and spectacular period settings. Brilliantly filmed where C. S. Lewis grew up, lived, taught and worshipped makes you feel like you’ve stepped back in time with this incredible author/teacher/writer.

Those familiar with C. S. Lewis’ writings will no doubt recognize lines taken from his many books. After watching The Most Reluctant Convert I’m greatly inspired to read more of his work.  I highly recommend The Most Reluctant Convert: The Untold Story of C.S. Lewis!

Enjoy this sneak peek below.

 

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THE DO IT AFRAID BOOK STUDY :: CONFRONTING FEAR

REACHING HURTING WOMEN MINISTRIES OFFERS FOUR THEMES FOR CONTEMPLATION EVERY MONTH OF THE YEAR.
EACH OF THE FOUR POWER-PACKED THEMES ARE A 12-MONTH STUDY SERIES ASSIGNED TO A SPECIFIC FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH. IN MONTHS WITH FIVE FRIDAYS I’LL BE REVIEWING TOUCHING INSPIRATIONAL MUSIC.
On the fourth Friday of each month in 2021 we’re studying Joyce Meyer’s newest book: Do It Afraid. We’re learning how to understand fear, to recognize how it works in our life and finally how to confront fear. We will learn new mindsets that position us for freedom from our most common fears.
Today we wrap up our Do It Afraid Book Study by reviewing Mamma Joyce’s chapters on Confronting Fear.

  • Take One Step at a Time

The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. ~ Psalm 37:23

“Anything you do in obedience to God is something you never have to do alone.”~ Joyce Meyer

One of the best ways to overcome anything is to take it one step at a time. Scripture tells us that God’s mercies are new every morning. With that we know He is trying to teach us to trust Him as we go on our journey each day. Every journey starts with the first step. All God asks us to do is to take that first step with faith that He will be with us all the way.

  • Stand Up to Doubt

He said to them, ” Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds?” ~ Luke 24:38

If we truly want to live free from fear, we must learn to live without doubt. ~ Joyce Meyer

Doubt is just fear by another name. It’s sneaky. It doesn’t show up in the same way but yet it is fear nonetheless. Doubt means uncertainty, perplexity, to be without a way. These all imply fearfulness. The key with doubt is to believe we are going to hear from God. Begin by surrendering our will to His and continue on our path in faith thanking God for His direction as we go.

  • Refuse to Regret the Past or Dread the Future

Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. ~ Proverbs 4:25

“Don’t miss what God has for you today by living in regret. Today is an important day in your life. It is actually the most important day of your life, because right at this moment it is the only day you are assured of, so live it fully and trust God to take care of your past and your future.” ~ Joyce Meyer

It’s easy to live with regrets from our past and to dread the future. But if we do we are missing out on what God has for us today. Regrets are just rehearsing past mistakes over and over again that keeps us stuck in the past. Dread is much the same except we are worried about what may or may not happen in the future. And when we get there we will probably have a bad attitude and not enjoy it either. If you struggle with these areas, ask God to help you and He will.

  • Take Courage and Be Strong

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid. ~ Joshua 1:9

“Don’t just pray for fear to go away. Instead pray for God to fill you with boldness, courage, and confidence.” ~ Joyce Meyer

It’s important that we manage our thought life. If we are focusing on our fears they will control us. We can instead, choose to focus on being courageous rather than what we are afraid of. Keep a confession of God’s Word in your heart, mind and words. Don’t think about what can go wrong. Thank God for His direction, strength and courage. Remember, courage is always stronger than fear.

  • Learn to Be Secure and Confident

Now faith brings our hopes into reality and becomes the foundation needed to acquire the things we long for. It is all the evidence required to prove what is still unseen. ~ Hebrews 11:1

“The more you use your faith, the stronger it will become. Faith is confidence in God… when you have faith that something will take place, you have it in your heart first (you believe), and then you will have it in reality in God’s perfect timing.” ~ Joyce Meyer

Ask God for what you want. Scripture says He wants to give us the desires of our hearts. And God cannot lie. But we must have faith to ask and believe for the things we want, not just for the things we need. Every time we have a prayer answered our confidence grows.

As we watch God work in our life we will gradually become more secure in our faith. We will be able to courageously take one step at a time; to stop doubting our decisions; refuse to regret our past and to not dread the future. We will stand strong, confront our fears and show the devil how big our God is!

Be blessed with this message on Confrontation by Mama Joyce! 

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THE TWELVE LIFE RECOVERY GIFTS :: PEACE

REACHING HURTING WOMEN MINISTRIES OFFERS FOUR THEMES FOR CONTEMPLATION EVERY MONTH OF THE YEAR.
EACH OF THE POWER-PACKED THEMES ARE A 12-MONTH STUDY SERIES ASSIGNED TO A SPECIFIC FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH BEGINNING IN JANUARY. IN MONTHS WITH FIVE FRIDAYS I’LL BE REVIEWING TOUCHING INSPIRATIONAL MUSIC. COME ALONG. LET’S LEARN SOME NEW THINGS TOGETHER!
For my addiction recovery work this year I’m going through The Twelve Gifts of Life Recovery by Stephen Arterburn and David Stoop. On the third Friday of each month in 2021 I will be sharing the blessings God brings us to honor our choices and encourage our recovery journey.
Today’s post is the twelfth and final post in this series. Join me as we learn about the Life Recovery gift of peace.

The gift of peace can be defined as the absence of conflict or violence; a state of harmony in personal relationships with other people and with God; a state of quiet tranquility.

I leave the gift of peace with you—my peace. Not the kind of fragile peace given by the world, but my perfect peace. ~ John 14:27

The gift of peace is probably the most important gift the life of recovery brings. Most of us in recovery have spent at least some portion of our lives seeking peace through a substance or compulsive activity that we were addicted to. We might have found peace for a short time.  But then the cycle of guilt and shame returned and the peace we thought we had found disappeared.

“The gift of peace can finally be ours when we have consciously connected with the person of God and with His Son, Jesus Christ. A peaceful heart is only possible when we have made our peace with Jesus, the Prince of Peace.” ~ The Twelve Gifts of Life Recovery

Absence of Peace

The world can’t give us peace. Though it may offer ways to find a false temporary peace.  In reality, it actually takes peace away.  Inner turmoil comes from a life not rooted in biblical truth or God’s Word and can certainly destroy our peace. Working the 12 Steps can help us deal with our inner turmoil and lead us to the peace we are desperately seeking. True peace comes when we turn our life over to the Pacemaker!

Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. ~ 1 Peter 5:7

The Foundation of Happiness

When our feelings begin to line up with God’s truth and His Word, our choices change, our actions change and the result is a peaceful life. As we deal with our past wrongs and accept Jesus’s forgiveness for our mistakes; then trust our future to God’s care, we will experience a peaceful life.

Don’t be pulled in different directions or worried about a thing. Be saturated in prayer throughout each day, offering your faith-filled requests before God with overflowing gratitude. Tell him every detail of your life, then God’s wonderful peace that transcends human understanding, will guard your heart and mind through Jesus Christ. ~ Philippians 4:6-7

“The gift of peace is founded on a life lived to the fullest and built on our relationship with Christ.” ~ The Twelve Gifts of Life Recovery.

Enjoy this great teaching from Stephen Arterburn Going Deeper with The Life Recovery Gift of Peace.

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THE HOLY SPIRIT :: REVIEW & WRAP-UP

REACHING HURTING WOMEN MINISTRIES OFFERS FOUR THEMES FOR CONTEMPLATION EVERY MONTH OF THE YEAR.
EACH OF THE FOUR POWER-PACKED THEMES ARE A 12-MONTH STUDY SERIES ASSIGNED TO A SPECIFIC FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH. IN MONTHS WITH FIVE FRIDAYS I’LL BE REVIEWING TOUCHING INSPIRATIONAL MUSIC.
On the second  Friday of each month in 2021 we’ve been studying about the Holy Spirit. We’ve learned who the Holy Spirit is, about His gifts and fruit that are given to believers and how we walk those out in our life each day. Join me today as we review what we’ve learned and wrap up The Holy Spirit Study series.

The Holy Spirit as Third Person in the Trinity

As the third person of the Holy Trinity the Holy Spirit was involved in creation with God the Father and Jesus Christ, the Son. He fully possesses all the divine attributes of God, gave life to God’s creatures and gives spiritual life to us. The Holy Spirit has great power, performs miracles and raised Christ from the dead. He is everywhere and all powerful; eternal with no beginning or end. He dwells in Heaven with the Father and Christ, yet in the heart of every believer here on earth.

The Holy Spirit’s Work in the Church

The Holy Spirit is the church’s greatest partner in evangelizing the world for Christ. He convicts hearts of sin, testifies of Christ, intercedes on our behalf and comforts in times of need. He directs decisions of the church, chooses and sends out missionaries and directs the  missionary enterprises.

The Holy Spirit’s Work in Believers

The Holy Spirit draws us into fellowship. He teaches us about Christ, convicts us of sin, enables us to find the truth, reveals God’s secrets and shows us God’s love. He helps us live the Christian life, prays for us in times of crisis, gives us His sword to fight Satan and even raises the dead. The Holy Spirit encourages us, gives us the power to witness and then teaches us what to say. He sanctifies our lives, gives us the gifts of the Spirit and works His fruit in us.

The Spirit gives to one the gift of the word of wisdom. To another, the same Spirit gives the gift of the word of revelation knowledge. And to another, the same Spirit gives the gift of faith. And to another, the same Spirit gives gifts of healing. And to another the power to work miracles. And to another the gift of prophecy. And to another the gift to discern what the Spirit is speaking. And to another the gift of speaking different kinds of tongues. And to another the gift of interpretation of tongues. Remember, it is the same Holy Spirit who distributes, activates, and operates these different gifts as he chooses for each believer. ~ 1  Corinthians 12:8-10

Gifts of the Spirit are divinely anointed abilities graced on individual believers for the benefit of the church community. They are chosen by the Godhead for us. We don’t get to choose our spiritual gifts. We can’t wake up one day and decide we’re going to be a prophet or give words of knowledge. Spiritual gifts are given by God as the Father sees fit to whom He chooses. Most of us exhibit a mix of gifts. Few of us are completely represent only one. Attributes of different gifts present themselves in varying degrees in each of us. While there is usually one gift that dominates.

But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit within you is divine love in all its varied expressions: joy that overflows, peace that subdues, patience that endures, kindness in action, a life full of virtue, faith that prevails, gentleness of heart, and strength of spirit. Never set the law above these qualities, for they are meant to be limitless. ~ Galatians 5:22

Fruit of the Holy Spirit is completely different in the sense that they aren’t chosen by God for us specifically. Rather, every born again believer has access to the fruit of the spirit.Whether we walk in, or exercise, this fruit is up to us. As Jesus said, “A tree is known by its fruit.” The branch that is connected to the tree will bear the fruit of the tree it is connected to. A branch can’t choose the type of fruit it will bear. And it won’t bear fruit unless it stays connected to its source.  Therefore, although we have full access through the Holy Spirit to all His fruit, unless we stay connected to Him consistently the fruit we bear may be rotten.

Over the last several months we’ve been studying the gifts and the fruit of the Holy Spirit. I hope if you missed any of the studies, you will take some time to go back and look at these various attributes of the Holy Spirit. I believe it is a study that will be worth your time.

Be blessed by this beautiful song with Bryan and Katie Torwalt.

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PSALM 91 :: THE PROMISE OF LONG LIFE

REACHING HURTING WOMEN MINISTRIES OFFERS FOUR THEMES FOR STUDY AND CONTEMPLATION EVERY MONTH OF THE YEAR.
EACH OF THE FOUR POWER-PACKED THEMES ARE A 12-MONTH STUDY SERIES ASSIGNED TO A SPECIFIC FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH. IN MONTHS WITH FIVE FRIDAYS I’LL BE REVIEWING TOUCHING INSPIRATIONAL MUSIC.
On the first Friday of each month in 2021 we will be studying Psalm 91. We’ll be learning this powerful psalm and applying its phenomenal promises to our life one phrase at a time.  We complete our study series today with verse 16.

I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation.~ Psalm 91:16

This final verse may possibly be the most important verse of Psalm 91. In essence it wraps up the entire theme and purpose of this chapter. If after studying this powerful Psalm you still doubt that God loves you and wants a good life for you, this verse will be the answer you are looking for. However, it’s up to us to take God at His Word and receive His promises as our very own!

CHECK WHERE YOUR FOCUS IS

The challenge comes in our day-to-day living. As human beings we become easily distracted by the world situations, financial difficulties, health problems, relationship issues and on the list could go. Even in the midst of all that, God is with us and for us. Instead of keeping our eyes on the world level we must bring our faith focus up to God’s level. Look to God. Look to His promises. That is how they will be revealed and manifested in our reality.

I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed.~ John 10:10

WORSHIP THE LORD IN THE BEAUTY OF HIS HOLINESS

The book of Psalms is basically a hymn book. These poems were written to be sung in worship to the Lord. There is power in our worship. When we worship the Lord all our distractions and fears fall away.When we worship God we open ourselves up to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We put ourselves in a place of perfect love, power, grace and protection.

My soul trusts in You; and in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge, until these calamities have passed by. ~ Psalm 57:1

In these uncertain times, when fear tries to sway your faith, look to God’s promises of protection. Stay intimately close to your Lord and Savior. He wants to be involved in your daily life. The more we depend on Him, the more we will see Him lead us and protect us.

When we fill our mind, heart and mouth with God’s promises it will become easier to live confidently without fear. We must turn to our Holy Refuge. When we do, we will see miracles play out in our lives.

Be blessed as you soak in Zoe Music’s song about our Holy Refuge.

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THE DO IT AFRAID BOOK STUDY :: REST IN THE PROMISE OF ETERNITY

REACHING HURTING WOMEN MINISTRIES OFFERS FOUR THEMES FOR CONTEMPLATION EVERY MONTH OF THE YEAR.
EACH OF THE FOUR POWER-PACKED THEMES ARE A 12-MONTH STUDY SERIES ASSIGNED TO A SPECIFIC FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH. IN MONTHS WITH FIVE FRIDAYS I’LL BE REVIEWING TOUCHING INSPIRATIONAL MUSIC.
On the fourth Friday of each month in 2021 we’re studying Joyce Meyer’s newest book: Do It Afraid. We’re learning how to understand fear, to recognize how fear works in our life and finally how to confront fear. We will learn new mindsets that position us for freedom from our most common fears. Come along and let’s learn something new from Momma Joyce!
This is the eleventh post in The Do It Afraid Book Study series.

FREEDOM FROM THE FEAR OF DEATH

By embracing death Jesus sets free those who live their entire lives in bondage to the tormenting dread of death. ~ Hebrews 2:15

Many people live their lives with a tormenting fear of death or dying. And this isn’t something strange or unusual. Experiencing  something that is unknown can be a fearful. But thankfully, God has given us the answer to that fear in Jesus.

We can first begin by talking about what death entails. The world’s definition of death would say that we cease to exist. But the biblical definition explains that while our physical body does cease to exist, our inner life (our soul) which is our mind, will and emotions, will continue on for eternity. In other words, death is when our soul is separated from our body.

For those of us who are believers in Jesus Christ, this isn’t a fearful thing. We have God’s promise of being in heaven with our new glorious bodies for eternity. But for those who don’t know Christ, this is a serious matter with eternal consequences that most people don’t even consider.

THE REALITY OF HELL

Hell is a difficult subject to discuss. Some people don’t believe hell exists. After all, why would a loving God send anyone to hell? What people don’t understand is that they are the ones who have made the choice to go there. God didn’t send them.

Yes, God is loving. But He is also a God of justice. Evil and sin must be punished. A price must be paid. Jesus lovingly came and sacrificed His life for all of the sinners in the world; freeing us from the punishment of hell where all sinners belong.

“Hell is a place we don’t want to go, so it is important to make the right decisions while we can.” ~ Joyce Meyer

THE REALITY OF THE RESURRECTION

Believers is Christ don’t need proof of the resurrection. The Holy Spirit placed that in our hearts when we became born again. On top of that, Scripture tells us many witnessed the empty tomb where Jesus left His grave clothes behind and the burial napkin, which had covered His face, was left neatly folded. Much like a person leaving a dinner table will fold their napkin when they are returning.  Many see Jesus’ folded napkin as a sign of His return.

“Don’t worry or surrender to your fear. For you’ve believed in God, now trust and believe in me also.My Father’s house has many dwelling places. If it were otherwise, I would tell you plainly, because I go to prepare a place for you.And when everything is ready, I will come back and take you to myself so that you will be where I am.” ~ John 14:1-3

“Dying is something no one can avoid. We may feel some fear of the unknown, but we have assurance of the resurrection and heaven, and that is cause to celebrate!” ~ Joyce Meyer

If you are living in a dreadful fear of death and dying, if you have never prayed to accept Jesus Christ as your Savior, take a couple of minutes to watch  the first video below with Joyce Meyer. After you pray with Joyce, watch the second video from Elevation Worship beautifully singing of the fullness of God’s love and glory for eternity. You will be blessed if you do.