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.
This is the sixth post in the series. Today we are learning about the gift of abundance.
“When we have a scarcity mindset we cling to our possessions and our toxic relationships….The gift of abundance leads us to lives filled with new and fulfilling opportunities that we may never have dreamed of or thought possible.” ~ The Twelve Gifts of Life Recovery
Actively living in our addiction we had a scarcity mind-set. We were always making sure we didn’t run out of our drug of choice. We were living guarded lives that robbed us of much joy and pleasure.
The thief has only one thing in mind—he wants to steal, slaughter,and destroy. But I have come to give you everything in abundance, more than you expect—life in its fullness until you overflow! ~ John 10:10
When we give our lives over to Jesus Christ and begin the life recovery journey, the gift of abundance begins to emerge. Instead of having a fear-based scarcity mind-set that is focused on losing what we have, we begin to have a grateful heart attitude and appreciate what we do have.
Never doubt God’s mighty power to work in you and accomplish all this. He will achieve infinitely more than your greatest request, your most unbelievable dream, and exceed your wildest imagination! He will outdo them all, for his miraculous power constantly energizes you. ~ Ephesians 3:20
As we work our life recovery steps, especially Steps 4 (Looking Within), 9 (Making Amends) and 10 (Daily Inventory), we mustn’t focus on what we’ve lost. Instead we can reframe every past mistake and every current problem into an opportunity for something new and good to come about in our life.
“As we learn how much God loves us, we will become confident that He is able to do far more in and through us than we could ever imagine! We can bank our recovery on this truth!” ~ The Life Recovery Bible
As we stay obedient to God and faithful to the life recovery journey we begin to see God’s promised gift of abundance displayed in our daily lives. Soon we will have an abundance of peace, harmony, time, energy, money and health in ways some of us have never seen in our lifetime
Contemplate how the gift of abundance is showing up in your life as you enjoy this beautiful song by Jesus Culture. Be blessed… Tamara
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’re studying the Holy Spirit. We will learn who the Holy Spirit is, about His gifts and fruit given to us as believers and how to walk those out in our life each day. This is the sixth post in The Holy Spirit Study series.
And to another the gift of prophecy. And to another the gift to discern what the Spirit is speaking. ~ 1 Corinthians 12:10
Many of the gifts and fruit of the Holy Spirit are very mysterious. Because of that they’re often misinterpreted, misunderstood and even ridiculed in traditional denominational churches. The gifts of prophecy and discerning of spirits certainly fall into those categories.
The gift of prophecy is thought to be about predicting the future. That isn’t what it’s about at all. The gift of prophecy is a person reporting a divine revelation given to them by God. In the simplest of terms the spiritual gift of prophecy is God speaking to people through people.
It is good that you are enthusiastic and passionate about spiritual gifts, especially prophecy. ~ 1 Corinthians 14:1
Can any believer have the gift of prophecy? Yes. The Apostle Paul encouraged every believer to desire this gift. God wouldn’t tell us to desire something He wouldn’t make possible for us to have.
Are some prophecies incorrect? Absolutely. God’s Word is infallible. But where there are human beings involved there is always a potential for interpretation errors.
Constantly be on your guard against phony prophets. They come disguised as lambs, appearing to be genuine, but on the inside they are like wild, ravenous wolves!~ Matthew 7:15
What about false prophets? Jesus warned us there would be false prophets, especially in the last days. One thing to remember, Satan comes to steal, kill and destroy. He only perverts and counterfeits the things that are most valuable to the church and God’s message. Which brings us to the next gift…
The gift of discerning spirits gives a believer spiritual insight regarding another person’s spirit. It may also give them the ability to sense a specific demonic spirit in a place or on a person.
Discerning spirits is imparted by the Holy Spirit and operates only as the Holy Spirit wills, not as a person wills. How it operates varies. Where one person may see things in places with the eyes of their spirit, another believer might only have a sense about things.
Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ. ~ Ephesians 4:11-12
The gifts of prophecy and discerning spirits are both very powerful gifts and extremely important. Not only are they a valuable avenue for sharing the Gospel and draw unbelievers to Christ. They encourage and lift up the church as a whole.
If you have questions regarding these important spiritual gifts, I encourage you to prayerfully do your own study of Scripture. God will honor that and with the help of the Holy Spirit He will lead you to a place of clear direction and understanding.
Be blessed by this lovely worship song by Maverick City Music.
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 continue with verses seven and eight.
Even in a time of disaster, with thousands and thousands being killed, you will remain unscathed and unharmed. You will be a spectator as the wicked perish in judgment, for they will be paid back for what they have done! ~ Psalm 91:7-8
This portion of Scripture is often quoted. A favorite for many who are walking through perilous times. Even these last several months with the pandemic outbreak, many believers have stood on this verse, myself included.
I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world. ~ John 16:33
There is much wickedness in the world. And believers are not immune to being attacked. Jesus promised we would have troubles in our world. He also tells us we should take heart because He has overcome the world and the wicked ruler of it.
For I am watching to see that my word is fulfilled. ~ Jeremiah 1:12
God’s Word promises that no matter what calamity, disaster or pandemic may surround us, God is going to bring us through is. It is up to us to believe and stand on God’s promises. And we shouldn’t stop there. We must confess God’s Word in prayer back to HIm. His Words have power. He tells us that He is watching over His Word to bring it to pass.
Thank you Lord, that no matter what may surround me, You will keep me safe. And the wicked will get their just reward! Amen
Enjoy this beautiful song as you contemplate the shelter of God.
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. Come along and let’s learn something new from Momma Joyce!
This is the fifth post in The Do It Afraid Book Study series.
Freedom from Wrong Kinds of Fear
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. ~ Proverbs 9:10
According to the Scripture above there is only on fear that is right. And it is more important that we realize. This is the reverential fear of God. It will free us from every other fear we may struggle with. We can literally trade our many wrong fears for the one right fear.
What is reverential fear? It is respectful fear that knows God is love. He is good. He is all-powerful and will always take care of me. A reverential fear of God means His opinion of what I am doing is more important that what anyone else thinks.
“If we care more about what God thinks of our actions than what people think, we won’t fear them because we do fear Him.” ~ Joyce Meyer
As long as we keep our reverential fear of the Lord as a priority in our life we won’t have fear of any other people or challenges that we may have encountered in the past.
We can trust God to bring an extra measure of grace on an issue we may have struggled with in a past season. So that in this new season we don’t have to be afraid that struggle will overtake us with fear and worry.
“F-E-A-R: has two meanings: Forget Everything And Run or Face Everything And Rise. The choice is yours.”— Zig Ziglar
Remember, whatever God has called us to do, He is going to provide the grace, strength and ability to walk it out. When we are walking in the reverential fear of the Lord we don’t have to fear anything else anymore!
Be blessed with this wonderful song by The Afters… I will Fear No More.
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. This is the fifth post in the series. Today we are learning about the gift of security.
Those of us on the life recovery journey can tell many stories of close calls we had while actively living in our addiction. For most of us there was no risk too great that could keep us from the next high we were seeking.
Sometimes a tragedy is required to shake us out of our addictive life fog. For me, God stepped in and put me in a physical time-out. Ironically, jail was the beginning of freedom from that dark lifestyle which was leading me to a quick death. It was confined in those gray cement block walls behind iron doors where I slowly began my walk back to God. This was the first in a long series of steps I had to take that would lead me to one of the most important gifts in the life of recovery: Security.
security: The state of being free from danger or threat; feeling safe, stable and free from fear or anxiety.
When I was living full blown in my addiction I was my own worst enemy. My insatiable desire to escape from reality became life threatening to me, my marriage and my family. Before God can begin a work in us, sometimes He has to save us from ourselves.
We all experience times of testing, which is normal for every human being. But God will be faithful to you. He will screen and filter the severity, nature, and timing of every test or trial you face so that you can bear it. And each test is an opportunity to trust him more, for along with every trial God has provided for you a way of escape that will bring you out of it victoriously.~ 1 Corinthians 10:13
The life recovery gift of security isn’t pain free or easy. It won’t be without temptation or trials. But one thing for certain… we are safer with God now than we ever were any day without Him.
“The purpose of trials is to teach us things, to keep us focused on our recovery, and to help us grow stronger in our faith.” ~ The Twelve Gifts of Life Recovery
If you’re walking the wide road that leads to death and destruction, I pray you will take a few minutes right now and ask God to save you from yourself. Don’t let another day go by. He isn’t far away. He loves you more that you know. You can trust Him. His ways are loving. In His arms you are forever safe.
Be blessed with this beautifully touching song by Victory Worship.
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’re studying the Holy Spirit. We will learn who the Holy Spirit is, about His gifts and fruit given to us as believers and how to walk those out in our life each day. This is the fifth post in The Holy Spirit Study series.
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. ~ 1 Corinthians 12:9-10
In doing my research for this post I ran across many books and blogs that teach there is no such thing as healing and miracles in our modern world. Basically these folks believe that the power of the Holy Spirit has ceased to work in and through people on the earth today. That to me is not only unbelievable it is not Biblical!
For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable. ~ Romans 11:29
The Bible is clear that Jesus is the same yesterday today and forever. And that God’s gifts are irrevocable. This seems pretty straight forward to me. The only way people can justify the position that the gifts of the Holy Spirit have ceased to be active in our world today is to not believe in the inherency of God’s Word.
Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away. ~ Matthew 24:35
Miracles and healing come in different forms. Healing can be as simple as recovering from addiction. A miracle doesn’t have to be someone being raised from the dead, though that does happen. With the rampant epidemic of abortion, the live birth of a healthy baby is a miracle in today’s world.
You formed my innermost being, shaping my delicate inside and my intricate outside, and wove them all together in my mother’s womb.I thank you, God, for making me so mysteriously complex!Everything you do is marvelously breathtaking. ~ Psalm 139:13-14
In third world countries, where followers of Christ have a faith in God that most westerners have never experienced, healing and miracles are more common. I believe we need to feed our faith in God’s word, strengthen our faith to believe our god is the same today as he was in the New Testament days.
God does wonderful things that cannot be understood. He does so many miracles they cannot be counted. ~ Job 5:9
Just because we don’t see healing and miracles every day doesn’t mean they don’t exist. Maybe we’re not paying attention. Maybe we’re looking at the wrong things. Maybe we’re not walking in the kind of faith that can see healing and miracles.
Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. ~ 2 Corinthians 13:5
Examine your heart toward God and His Word today. Do you believe God is the same today and forever? Do you believe the Holy Spirit has power to gift someone with the ability to heal? Do you believe in miracles?
I am the Lord, and I do not change. ~ Malachi 3:6
I believe God can heal through whatever form or fashion He chooses. I believe in miracles because I am a walking miracle. We need to be looking for miracles all around us every single day!
Be blessed by this great song by Hawk Nelson: Miracles!
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 continue today with verse five and six.
You do not need to fear terrors of the night, arrows that fly during the day, plagues that roam the dark, epidemics that strike at noon. ~ Psalm 91: 5-6
While the world we live in has many dangers and evils we don’t need to be fearful. God’s Word promises He is protecting us.
We don’t have to fear what is behind us-regret… or fear what lies before us-worry… because we know our God surrounds us on every side.
Living with less fear means we can go about our daily lives not afraid of enemy attacks coming at us. We can go to sleep not imagining something terrible is going to happen in the dark of night.
Thank God His grace and mercy follow me and His shield of favor goes before me every day of my life!
With God I can attack a barrier and I can leap over a wall. ~ 2 Samuel 22:30
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.
In every month with five Fridays I’m reviewing Christian music that has inspired and touched me. Today’s post is the second Music Review for 2021.
The Darker The Night / The Brighter The Morning by Cody Carnes
This album is very important to me! God used it to bring me through an extremely challenging season of my life. Instead of reviewing the entire album as a whole, I’m going to review each song of the album individually and share my favorite lyrics from that song. I have each music video with its review. At the end of the post is the complete YouTube album playlist. I encourage you to take the time to not only listen to each song, but to then set aside time to listen to the entire album in one sitting. I promise, you won’t be sorry!
1. RESURRECTION BLOOD
Powerful testimony song! Reminiscent of the old-time gospel spirituals.
“All my chains went falling when He saved my soul / All my fears went running from the Holy Ghost / Hallelujah all my sins are white as snow / Now my freedom’s anchored in that crimson flow.”
2. WHAT FREEDOM FEELS LIKE
Fresh lyrics expressive of new found life in Christ. It’s tough to choose only a few lyrics from this song. They are all beautiful.
“I was lost and Your love came to find me. I was blind til You showed me my victory. I was bound and You set me free. Now I’m alive!”
3. ‘TIL THE END OF TIME
Featuring Kari Jobe (Cody’s wife) this song could easily be a crossover couple love song, except at the end where they speak directly about God. Reminiscent of Song of Solomon in the Old Testament. Soul-stirring music and poignant lyrics that combines original poetry and Scripture. These two beautiful people love each other and their God and it shows in this exquisite video! They’re not only singing to each other but to God about their love for eternity. Amazing song. One of my favorites for sure.
“Your waves and Your breakers / Wash over me / Deep calls to deep / In the mystery”
4. THE CROSS HAS THE FINAL WORD
The world we live in is dark and evil may appear to be prevailing. Praise God! This song reminds us that the Cross of Christ has the final word.
“Sorrow may come in the darkest night…Evil may put up its strongest fight… The Savior has come with the morning light / The cross has the final word”
5. FULL OF FAITH
An awesome confession song to overcome any struggle in your life!
“Your word is a sword from my mouth / I’m telling fear it has to go / Your promise is my solid ground / I’m standing strong on anchored hope / This mountain that is rising up in front of me / Will fall into the sea / The God who conquered death for all eternity / Is now my victory”
6. HOLD IT ALL
While not the actual album title song, the title is taken from lyrics in this song. Powerful battle march song! Love the piano.
“You hold it all / The darker the night, the brighter the morning / You’re in control / The graver the fight, the greater Your glory / What can stand against our God / From beginning to the end, / You won’t be shaken Jesus, / You’re my strength and song / My life is in Your hands, You won’t be shaken”
7. ROOMS
Another favorite featuring Kari Jobe… sweet yet mystical love song. My only complaint: I’d like to see them perform this on a video.
“I want to go where I’ve never been / I want to see Your mysteries before my eyes / I want to know the secrets that You know / I want to hear the melodies of Heaven / I’m after the rooms of Your heart / I’m after the rooms of Your heart / I’m after the rooms of Your heart / That are waiting to be found You’re waiting to be found”
8. THROUGH AND THROUGH
Stunning palpable lyrics expressing the presence of God.
“I hear the Heavens here in Your presence / Spirit move through & through / All of the walls down, freedom is here now / Spirit move through & through / Just a moment here in Your love / I wouldn’t trade it for the world / Wouldn’t trade it for the world”
9. WAIT HERE
The perfect song for times of battle fatigue.
“Faithful / Always Faithful / I will look for victory in nothing else but You / I will find my hope and strength in nothing else but You / I will look for victory in nothing else but You / I will put expectancy in nothing else but You”
10. BANNER
A fresh rendition of Psalm 23. The bridge portion! Perfectly Powerful! Another favorite! Can’t get this one loud enough.
“Where You lead me / I will follow I don’t have to be afraid / For You are with me clothed in victory / Bringing honor to Your name / If I’m found in darkest valleys / You’ll be there to set a feast /At a table filled with laughter / Toasting to Your victory”
11. BREAD AND WINE
I can see using this lovely song at a communion during a Resurrection Sunrise Celebration!
“You’re the bread & wine / The single source of life / Only You satisfy / My everything / The well that won’t run dry / The ever-rising tide / One drop and I’m revived / My everything / All I need, all I need / All I need is You”
12. NOTHING MORE TO SAY
A touching personal song sharing the power of Jesus name to change a life.
“Strength for all the weak / Love for all the least / Hope that’s never failing / Grace for everyone / There’s power in the blood / Freedom for the captives / Jesus, Jesus / There’s nothing more to say / Jesus, Jesus / I’ll never be the same / Jesus, Jesus”
The Darker the Night/The Brighter the Morning by Cody Carnes is a fresh sound with beautifully expressive and poetic lyrics reminiscent of the book of Psalms or Song of Solomon. It also has great soul-filled gospel that rocks the beats and bass sounds. Powerful testimony songs and sweet worship songs which are true love songs to God like none other. All the music videos are original and very creative to go along with this amazingly fresh creative sound! Thanks Cody Carnes!
Below is the full YouTube album playlist of The Darker the Night/The Brighter the Morning by Cody Carnes. I pray you will set aside some time and listen to the full album from start to finish. Allow this powerful music to touch your soul. Be blessed…
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. Come along and let’s learn something new from Momma Joyce!
This is the fourth post in The Do It Afraid Book Study series.
Freedom from the Fear of What Other People Will Think, Say, or Do
Fear and intimidation is a trap that holds you back. But when you place your confidence in the Lord, you will be seated in the high place. ~ Proverbs 29:25
Wanting others to like us isn’t necessarily a bad thing. But when others try to intimidate us for their own personal gain or power trip, that’s wrong and oftentimes abusive.
Many of have endured peer pressure as a teenager. However, it isn’t only teens who struggle with the pressure to conform to the ideas and will of others. Employers, coworkers and even family members can use intimidation to manipulate us to do their will. If we allow ourselves to be intimidated by people we are putting them above God.
You will either be yourself or you will try to be who and what other people think you should be. Only you can decide which it will be. ~ Joyce Meyer
Without an personal relationship with Jesus Christ we may succumb to that pressure and end up doing something we may regret later. Regular, quality time with God, in His Word, in prayer and worship will help prevent us from being swayed by the opinions of others.
Put your heart and soul into every activity you do, as though you are doing it for the Lord himself and not merely for others. For we know that we will receive a reward, an inheritance from the Lord, as we serve the Lord Yahweh, the Anointed One! ~ Colossians 3:23-24
When we know who we are in Christ, we have no reason to put the opinion others have of us over what God says about us. Knowing our real value to God, His kingdom and plan for our life gives us the confidence to freely be ourself.
Let Go and let God show you how to be the real you with this awesome some by Jack Cassidy! Turn this one up… Enjoy!
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. This is the fourth post in the series. Today we are learning about the gift of clarity.
“The gift of clarity could be defined as the absence of denial–even the absence of a need for denial. Instead, there is a transparency, even purity, in how we present ourselves and see ourselves.” ~ The Twelve Gifts of Life Recovery
When we are actively struggling with our addiction or compulsions we are living in denial or a false sense of reality. Usually we think of denial as a way to fool others. But really denial is designed to distort our thinking so that we won’t confront the problem at hand. Only after the Light of Christ shines His love and healing grace on our lives can we have any hope of coming to the transforming clarity that recovery gifts to us.
Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely. ~ 1 Corinthians 13:12
In recent days I’ve been in put in a position where my commitment to sobriety was tested. Thank God I passed those tests. And I not only passed them, but I came away from each situation with a stronger resolve than ever that there is absolutely no turning back!
Everything I have worked for during these past 16+ years of life recovery is not worth a few minutes to try to satiate a temporal, insatiable physical desire. Thank God for His gift of clarity that continues to help me stay focused on the truth of what is important in my life, not only for me, but for my family.
“When we are actively in recovery, we receive the gift of seeing things with clarity, and the truth comes back into focus.” ~ The Twelve Gifts of Life Recovery
Contemplate the gift of clarity in your life with this beautify song by For All Seasons. Remember if your life isn’t good, God’s not finished with it yet!
