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 WE’RE REVIEWING CHRISTIAN MEDIA.
On the fourth Friday of each month in 2022 we’re studying the RHW 2022 Theme: God’s Law, Grace & Freedom.
“Without God’s law and grace there is no opportunity for true freedom!”
While there are multiple empires that influenced, ruled and even oppressed the Israelite people throughout the Old Testament. For the purpose of this article we will focus on the Greek and Roman empires and their influence on Christianity.
As with all Old Testament history, it’s amazing to see how God uses the pagan nations and rulers to complete His plan and purpose. This is seen clearly through studying the Greek and Roman empires and the various revolts and exiles that impacted the Israelites up to and even after the time of Christ.
From Alexander the Great’s Greek Hellenistic culture to Caesar Augustus’ Roman rule, God used their laws to bring about the prophetic timing for the birth of Jesus Christ our Messiah who would ultimately rule from a place of true peace. His kingdom brought amazing grace and true freedom to a lost and dying world!
Be blessed by this beautiful worship song from Bethel Music and Josh Baldwin.
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 of recovery to a level of freedom most of us haven’t yet experienced.
THE TWELVE LAWS OF LIFE RECOVERY
Each month we’re looking at a requirement that guides us to a specific result which will ultimately fill our lives with love, gratitude and the serenity we desire.
THE LAW OF FORGIVENESS
REQUIREMENT: FORGIVENESS
RESULT: FREEDOM
“FORGIVENESS is a choice that does not necessarily involve the person we need to forgive. It’s a one-sided transaction, a unilateral extension of grace. So there’s really no excuse for not forgiving others as God has forgiven us.” ~ The Twelve Laws of Recovery
You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. ~ Colossians 2:13-14
The law of forgiveness frees US from our pain.
When we continue to walk in unforgiveness because someone has hurt or betrayed us, we put ourself in bondage to that hurt and to that person. We become trapped with bitterness and resentment and ultimately hurt ourselves as well as our relationship with God.
When we’re able to forgive others we release that relationship and free ourselves from the painful bondage of the hurt from our past.
If you want a life of recovery, you must be willing to forgive. ~ The Twelve Laws of Life Recovery
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 dig into the New Testament book of Romans — Apostle Paul’s masterpiece on the subject of grace. I hope you will get a copy of Andrew’s book and join me for this study. Today we highlight chapter fourteen. Enjoy!
What Are You Thinking?
For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace. ~ Romans 8:5-6
If we are born again Christians, our spirit is one with the Spirit of Jesus. In that regard we are in the Spirit. Even though we are “in” the Spirit, we might be walking or living in our carnal flesh thoughts, habits and behaviors.
We might not be born again Christians, being “in” the flesh, but trying to live or walk in the Spirit. However, we won’t have any power of victory because we aren’t one with Christ yet.
It’s critical that we renew our mind to God’s Word, so that we will live a victorious life.
Be blessed by Andrew Wommack’s video teaching on this chapter below.
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 INSPIRATIONAL MEDIA.
On the first Friday of each month in 2022 we’re studying the Ten Commandments; why we need to know, memorize and obey them.
You shall not steal.~ Exodus 20:15
The eighth commandment is about more than just taking possessions from another person. There are multiple ways and things that people steal. In the long run, we are ultimately stealing from the God of the Universe!
An employer stealing from their employee by paying poor wages
An employee stealing from their boss by goofing off instead of working
An citizen stealing from the government by not paying taxes due
A business stealing from customers by falsely advertising their product
A person with the mindset of taking from others had that habit formed in them from their early childhood by parents who were either totally oblivious or were too lazy to train their child in godly ways.
God requires obedience to His law because it is what is best for the individual as well as a community. Partial obedience is still disobedience.
Let’s strive to be trustworthy. To live a life honoring God and all He has for us!
UPDATE YOUR MEMORY
Our memory aid for the Eighth Commandment shows us the image of a burglar wearing a mask in the shape of an 8, reminding us not to steal anything!
Take a few minutes and glean wisdom from Dennis Prager’s teaching on The Eighth Commandment. Be blessed!
RESOURCES:
The Evidence Bible
Thompson Chain Reference Bible
New Living Parallel Study Bible
Spirit-Filled Life Bible
The Rational Bible: Genesisby 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
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 WE’RE REVIEWING CHRISTIAN MEDIA.
On the fourth Friday of each month in 2022 we’re studying the RHW 2022 Theme: God’s Law, Grace & Freedom.
“Without God’s law and grace there is no opportunity for true freedom!”
THE EXILE
All through the Bible God teaches us the lessons and warnings regarding exile. In the beginning, Adam and Eve were blessed with the perfect paradise for their home. The only stipulation was to obey essentially one rule: Don’t eat fruit from the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil. As we all know they didn’t obey that rule and were exiled from The Garden.
Fast forward to the era of the kings and prophets. We learned in the last two lessons, that it was seemingly impossible for the children of Israel to obey the instructions given them by Moses and Joshua. Here is just a sample of the curses foretold by Moses if the Israelites didn’t obey God’s Covenant Law.
“But if you refuse to listen to the Lord your God and do not obey all the commands and decrees I am giving you today, all these curses will come and overwhelm you… The Lord will cause you to be defeated by your enemies. You will attack your enemies from one direction, but you will scatter from them in seven! You will be an object of horror to all the kingdoms of the earth… The Lord will exile you and your king to a nation unknown to you and your ancestors. There in exile you will worship gods of wood and stone!~ Deuteronomy 28:15;25;36
Again as prophesied, the Israelite people couldn’t manage to obey God as commanded and were overtaken by their enemy’s nation and exiled to Babylon. But God loves His people so much that even then He provided grace and mercy during various periods through the lives of Daniel and Esther.
From the history of mankind Satan has been trying to eliminate the image of God on this earth; more specifically, God’s people. That threat is seen all through Scripture, Old and New Testaments alike. But thankfully God’s grace is seen time and again working to mercifully save His people from annihilation.
Turn all your anxiety over to God because he cares for you. Keep your mind clear, and be alert. Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion as he looks for someone to devour. Be firm in the faith and resist him, knowing that other believers throughout the world are going through the same kind of suffering. God, who shows you his kindness and who has called you through Christ Jesus to his eternal glory, will restore you, strengthen you, make you strong, and support you as you suffer for a little while. Power belongs to him forever. Amen. ~ 1 Peter 5: 7-11
In Jesus Christ, we have the best example of God’s loving mercy and grace bringing true freedom to the human race! Freeing us from the exile of sin we have been locked in since the fall of Adam and Eve.
Be blessed by this brilliant animation video fromThe Bible Project.
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 of recovery to a level of freedom most of us haven’t yet experienced.
THE TWELVE LAWS OF LIFE RECOVERY
Each month we’re looking at a requirement that guides us to a specific result which will ultimately fill our lives with love, gratitude and the serenity we desire.
THE LAW OF SERVICE
REQUIREMENT: SERVICE
RESULT: REWARD
SERVICE: is labor of body and mind performed for the benefit of another; an attitude of the heart that spurs us to seek ways we can help others.*
In Christ Jesus, God made us new people so that we would do good works. God had planned in advance those good works for us. He had planned for us to live our lives doing them.~ Ephesians 2:10
Many of us in recovery are intimidated by the thought of trying to serve God. We may feel like we’ve messed up our lives so much that God can never use us. However, chances are our lives were impacted to change because of another person’s story.
“We cannot use our brokenness or imperfections as excuses not to live out a missional life with purpose and meaning. “ ~ The Twelve Laws of Life Recovery
People all through the Old and New Testaments messed up. But they were committed and surrendered everything to God and He used them to work out His mission and plan for humanity.
God can do the same with us. When we have the courage to step out in faith and reach others with our story of a victorious life in recovery, our service will be rewarded beyond measure!
Be blessed with this sweet worship song by Daniel Lehmann.
* Webster 1828 Dictionary & The Twelve Laws of Life Recovery
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 dig into the New Testament book of Romans — Apostle Paul’s masterpiece on the subject of grace. I hope you will get a copy of Andrew’s book and join me for this study. Today we highlight chapter thirteen. Enjoy!
SIN STRENGTHENED BY THE LAW
When we were controlled by our old nature, sinful desires were at work within us, and the law aroused these evil desires that produced a harvest of sinful deeds, resulting in death.But now we have been released from the law, for we died to it and are no longer captive to its power. Now we can serve God, not in the old way of obeying the letter of the law, but in the new way of living in the Spirit.~ Romans 7:5-6
As long as the law is our schoolmaster, governing our old nature, sin will rule our lives. The law is for people who haven’t been born again by the Holy Spirit.
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! ~ Galatians 5:22-24
The law isn’t for people who have been born again and filled with the Holy Spirit. These people don’t have the desire to break the law and sin.
So the trouble is not with the law, for it is spiritual and good. The trouble is with me, for I am all too human, a slave to sin.I don’t really understand myself, for I want to do what is right, but I don’t do it. Instead, I do what I hate.But if I know that what I am doing is wrong, this shows that I agree that the law is good. So I am not the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it. ~ Romans 7:14-17
The Apostle Paul is telling us that the law is good and had it’s purpose: to reveal our sinful nature to us, and show us our need for a Savior. But for our sinful nature (our old self) to be made new, we must accept Jesus Christ as our Savior. We must let the Holy Spirit live in and through us.
Whoever shall call upon the name of the Lord will be saved!~ Romans 10:13
If you haven’t made Jesus Christ the Lord of your life, I encourage you to take a moment to pray this prayer out loud:
Jesus, I believe you died on the cross for me. I ask you to come into my heart, be the Lord of my life and make me a new creature by your Holy Spirit. Thank you for saving me!
Be blessed by Andrew Wommack’s video teaching on this chapter below.
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 INSPIRATIONAL MEDIA.
On the first Friday of each month in 2022 we’re studying the Ten Commandments; why we need to know, memorize and obey them.
Do not commit adultery. ~ Exodus 20:14
ADULTERY: the unfaithfulness of any married person to the marriage bed; a betrayal and rejection of God’s instructions.
In today’s society adultery is rarely talked about and it is all but ignored from most pulpits. Our modern culture has become so desensitized to the promiscuity played out before our eyes in the media that it is accepted as normal, sadly even among Christians. But what most people forget is that God sees everything we do!
CREATED BY DESIGN
Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is right for him.” From the ground God formed every wild animal and every bird in the sky. He brought them to the man so the man could name them. Whatever the man called each living thing, that became its name. The man gave names to all the tame animals, to the birds in the sky and to all the wild animals. But Adam did not find a helper that was right for him. So the Lord God caused the man to sleep very deeply. While the man was asleep, God took one of the ribs from the man’s body. Then God closed the man’s skin at the place where he took the rib. The Lord God used the rib from the man to make a woman. Then the Lord brought the woman to the man. And the man said,
“Now, this is someone whose bones came from my bones. Her body came from my body. I will call her ‘woman,’ because she was taken out of man.”
So a man will leave his father and mother and be united with his wife. And the two people will become one body. ~ Genesis 2:18-24
A COVENANT RELATIONSHIP
In Genesis when God created marriage, He created a covenant relationship between a man and a woman that was to be sacred, exclusive, binding and life-lasting between them alone. The sanctity of marriage provides joy, safety and comfort for those who protect it. Our goal in marriage should be more than just a loving friendship but oneness in the Lord.
As with all the other Commandments, this rule is designed to protect us from the potential harm we can bring on ourselves, our community and ultimately our civilization.
“Marriage is not an accidental but a purposeful, essential element of creation. It is not a convention to be adopted as a humanly devised experiment, nor is it a consequence to be absorbed. It is a divine institution providing the cornerstone of civil society. It is, if you like, quite simply, God’s idea.” ~ Alistair Begg (Pathway to Freedom)
GUARD WHAT GOD HAS GIVEN YOU
My child, pay attention to my words. Listen closely to what I say. Don’t ever forget my words. Keep them deep within your heart. These words are the secret to life for those who find them. They bring health to the whole body. Be very careful about what you think. Your thoughts run your life. Don’t use your mouth to tell lies. Don’t ever say things that are not true. Keep your eyes focused on what is right. ~ Proverbs 4:20-25
PROTECT YOUR MARRIAGE
Those of us who are married, or planning to be married, should look at this commitment very seriously. Not only taking the time to get to know each other but committing high and strong boundaries to protect the precious gift we have been given in our husband.
We need to be on guard at all times, watching for the enemy who will try and trick us. One of the biggest challenges in marriage is the power of the human sex drive. And I believe the best way to manage that is to guard our senses and our thoughts. If we keep watch on who we are friends with, what we look at, listen to, and especially where we go and what we do. We will have greater success with marital fidelity if we do.
“We need to appoint moral sentries to guard our hearts, because losing the battle there is often the first step on the road to disaster. ” ~ Alistair Begg (Pathway to Freedom)
HAVE HIGH BOUNDARIES
When I say I have high boundaries on my life, I don’t mean white picket fence type boundaries. No. I have tall cement barrier boundaries, the ones like you see on the side of freeways. I learned a long time ago, I must with all diligence protect who I am influenced by, what goes in my mind and heart. Because what I let in there may try to build a nest that can destroy my marriage and possibly my life.
I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. ~ Psalm 119:11
KEEP GOD’S WORD UP FRONT
Last but certainly not least is keeping God’s Word in first place. Read God’s Word often and put it to memory to protect your mind and your marriage. It literally is your life-line! The more of God’s Word we keep in, the better chance we have of keeping out the evil messages floating around the world today.
I pray you will take this message to heart. All of these things will protect you from the potential for temptation that the enemy will definitely put in your path.
UPDATE YOUR MEMORY
Our memory aid for the Seventh Commandment shows us the image of a heart broken in the shape of a 7. This image reminds us when we don’t honor the bounds of marriage and commit adultery hearts are broken.
Take a few minutes and glean wisdom from Dennis Prager’s teaching on The Seventh Commandment. Be blessed!
RESOURCES:
The Evidence Bible
Thompson Chain Reference Bible
New Living Parallel Study Bible*
Spirit-Filled Life Bible
The Rational Bible: Genesisby 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
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.
† THE MUSIC REVIEW BELOW WAS ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED MAY 29, 2020. I’M REPUBLISHING THIS POST IN HONOR OF BENI JOHNSON FROM BETHEL CHURCH IN REDDING, CA. SHE WILL BE GREATLY MISSED. TO THE JOHNSON FAMILY AND BETHEL CHURCH MEMBERS YOU ARE ALL IN OUR PRAYERS.
PEACE by Bethel Music
Release Date: April 10, 2020
Album length: 12 tracks: 1 hour 9 minutes
There some artists or producers that you can count on to be consistent in their products. For me, I know if a project comes from Bethel Music it will be a quality production, with music and lyrics anointed by God. If you’re unfamiliar with Bethel Music here is a brief description from their website.
“Bethel Music is a community of worshipers pursuing the presence of God. We exist to gather, inspire, and encourage the global church toward deeper intimacy with the Father. Together, we express who God is and who we are in Him, capturing fresh expressions of worship in every season.”
Released during the COVID-19 world crisis pandemic, this album couldn’t have come at a better time. There are millions of people around the world hurting, lonely and desperate for music that will lift their spirits, inspire their souls, and heal their hearts and minds. This album is specifically created for that.
“Peace. We started this project almost a year and a half ago, not knowing the right time to release it. Over the past few weeks as we’ve watched everything unfold, we knew the time was now. We believe God will use this album to calm your mind, heart and soul during a time of uncertainty — He will silence any fear or anxiety. Peace is a person, and He is near.” ~ Bethel Music 04/10/2020
The orchestration of the music is exquisite. With the tranquil sounds of ocean waves and winds in the background, the soothing pace of the music allows you to drink the songs deeply into your heart and soul.
The artist chosen for each song selection is perfect. The restraint of the vocals simplified down to whisper singing makes PEACE truly a breath of fresh air to worship music today!
The visuals on the lyric videos themselves are incredibly peaceful with the wind blowing gently against the backdrop of a clear blue sky.
PEACE by Bethel Music ministers healing to a disquieted world. In this simple amazing project God brings supernatural healing through the science and technology of music to those seeking relief from anxiety and depression.
“The songs on this album merge worship and cutting edge techniques scientifically proven to help heal the parts of the brain damaged by emotional trauma by engaging both sides of the brain through the gentle panning of peaceful soundscapes known as bilateral music. As you listen, breathe slow and deep, invite the presence of God into your life and watch how He prophecies the truth over you and gives you His perspective.” ~ Bethel Music Heart of the Album Video Description
As a contemplative person I’m drawn to the quiet music that PEACE presents. It’s simple, life-filled, uplifting, inspirational, relaxing, encouraging, healing and above all peaceful. Most of the songs are familiar worship songs that have been reworked with a softer sound. There are also a few new songs that you will want to hear again and again.
A new favorite for me. I highly recommend PEACE by Bethel Music!
Step out of the busy-ness of your day and breathe in the peace of God’s Presence available to you in this beautiful album by Bethel Music. Here is the full PEACE album YouTube playlist. Be blessed!
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 WE’RE REVIEWING CHRISTIAN MEDIA.
On the fourth Friday of each month in 2022 we’re studying the RHW 2022 Theme: God’s Law, Grace & Freedom.
“What sorrow awaits my rebellious children,” says the Lord. “You make plans that are contrary to mine. You make alliances not directed by my Spirit, thus piling up your sins.~ Isaiah 30:1
God’s LAW
The prophets of Israel were tasked to be mediators of God’s covenant to the people and their kings. Because of Israel’s rebellion, the true prophets were constantly trying to warn of the pending disaster that was coming if they continued to break God’s laws.
The Sovereign Lord showed me a vision. I saw him preparing to send a vast swarm of locusts over the land. This was after the king’s share had been harvested from the fields and as the main crop was coming up.In my vision the locusts ate every green plant in sight. Then I said, “O Sovereign Lord, please forgive us or we will not survive, for Israel is so small.” So the Lord relented from this plan. “I will not do it,” He said.~ Amos 7:1-6
God’s GRACE
As an expression of God’s grace, the prophets, who were empowered by the Holy Spirit, would communicate the future hope God would bring after the judgement for their rebellion. Although the prophets weren’t exactly neutral parties, they would also represent the people’s response by way of intercession to God.
Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets.And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son. God promised everything to the Son as an inheritance, and through the Son he created the universe.The Son radiates God’s own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven.~ Hebrews 1:1-3
Our FREEDOM
In the past God used prophets to reveal Himself to the world. Today we have God’s Word bringing us Christ’s message of judgement to those who refuse to repent of their sins. But thankfully, God’s Word also points us to freedom from the burden of sin available to us in Jesus Christ the ultimate prophet and intercessor to our heavenly Father.
“Without God’s law and grace there is no opportunity for true freedom!”
Be blessed by this beautiful worship song by Bethel Music.
