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THE TWELVE LIFE RECOVERY GIFTS :: HAPPINESS

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 tenth post in the series. Today we are learning about the gift of happiness.

Happiness is a gift given to all who make up their minds that they will enjoy life to the fullest. The Twelve Gifts of Life Recovery

Give me happiness, O Lord, for I give myself to you. ~ Psalm 86:4

Most people make searching for happiness the primary objective for their life. Happiness is never found when we are searching for it. True happiness is produced by a certain lifestyle. In other words, we can’t go find happiness in a person, place or a thing. We will only experience happiness when we choose a godly life.

The hopes of the godly result in happiness, but the expectations of the wicked come to nothing. ~ Proverbs 10:28

As our hearts become more and more in tune with the heart of God, we experience the gift of happiness as a by-product of a godly life. ~ The Twelve Gifts of Life Recovery

There are two critical things we must do be certain the gift of happiness will continue in our life:

    • Avoid places or people that tempt us to fall back in old patterns.

   If you think you are standing strong, be careful not to fall. ~ 1 Corinthians 10:12

    • Do your best to live Step 12. As we do we will stay strong in our recovery.

Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these Steps, we tried to carry this message to others, and to practice these principles in all our affairs. ~ Step 12

It’s not just a matter of removing bad habits and bad people from our lives. We must replace them with godly habits and godly, recovering people who are strong examples we can follow. Spend time with people that are involved with a life of recovery and are supportive to you. And remember, to work Step 12 and successfully help others in their recovery we must be solid in our own recovery success.

Be blessed by this short teaching from Stephen Arterburn Going Deeper on The Gift of Happiness.

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THE HOLY SPIRIT :: Fruit of Faithfulness, Gentleness & Self-Control

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 tenth post in The Holy Spirit Study series.

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. ~ Galatians 5:22-23

All these character qualities are the virtues that Jesus Christ has and exhibits. By nature of being born-again into His body, the church, we are endowed by the power of the Holy Spirit to have these same qualities planted in seed form within our spirit. It’s then is up to us to mature the fruit seed, by spending time in God’s Word, in prayer and fellowship with the Father. Then the seed will grow into full fruit that bears the likeness of Christ to all who are in our presence.

  • FAITHFULNESS: the quality of steadfast loyalty or firm adherence to promises.

Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. ~ Proverbs 3:3

In the world faithfulness is a rare character trait. But as believers, who have the fruit of faithfulness flowing in our lives, we can be depended on to do what is right even when no one is watching us.

  • GENTLENESS: mildness of manners or disposition.

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ~ Philippians 4:5

When our heart has been softened by the Holy Spirit after we are born again we are able to be milder in our behavior and moods toward others, especially to those who are difficult.

  • SELF-CONTROL: restraint exercised over one’s own impulses, emotions or desires.

Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city. ~ Proverbs 16:32

Another rare trait in our world today is self-control. The ungodly person lives by whatever their flesh desires. By the power of the Holy Spirit working in our life, self-control helps us keep our physical nature under control so that the other fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and gentleness can freely flow and witness the power of God to those around us.

These three character traits of Christ round off the fruit section of our Holy Spirit study. Next month we will focus on the gifts of administration and helps.

Be blessed by this great worship some by Elevation Worship on the faithfulness of God!

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PSALM 91 :: GOD LOVES US

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 14.

For here is what the Lord has spoken to me: “Because you loved me, delighted in me, and have been loyal to my name, I will greatly protect you. ~ Psalm 91:14

Some say that we must qualify for God’s protective love. That couldn’t be further from the truth of what God’s Word tells us. God’s protection isn’t dependent on us loving Him in a perfect way. It is impossible for us to do that. No matter how hard we try, because of our humanity, we will always fall short in our love for the Lord.

This is love: He loved us long before we loved him. It was his love, not ours. He proved it by sending his Son to be the pleasing sacrificial offering to take away our sins. ~ 1 John 4:10

It isn’t because of anything we have done. God loved us long before we were even created. He showed us that pure love in the life, death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ.

Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. ~ Lamentations 3:22

God’s compassion is unfailing… His mercy is enough… His grace is sufficient… because His love is all infolding and never ending. It is God’s indescribable, immovable, relentless love for me, not my limited human love for Him, that makes me qualified for His love and protection.

In these incredibly uncertain and tumultuous times, it is so comforting to know that in fact we aren’t alone. We have a Father, a Friend and Savior Who is with us in every valley, every fire and storm! Crowder’s song attached below is one I listen to almost daily right now.

I pray you are blessed by this incredibly anointed song by Crowder.

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THE DO IT AFRAID BOOK STUDY :: YOU CAN RELAX

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 ninth post in The Do It Afraid Book Study series.

FREEDOM FROM THE FEAR OF NOT DOING ENOUGH

For by grace you have been saved by faith. Nothing you did could ever earn this salvation, for it was the love gift from God that brought us to Christ! So no one will ever be able to boast, for salvation is never a reward for good works or human striving. ~Ephesians 2:8-9

Many of us get caught up in the ‘doing’ trap. We do too much for others to make them like or love us. We work too much to prove worth to ourselves. We get sucked into serving too much in ministry hoping that God will approve of us more. The whole time we’re trying to prove to ourselves that God truly loves us when all we had to do was simply believe God’s Word!

God’s Word tells us our salvation isn’t a reward that we earn by anything we can humanly do. The gift of salvation is for those who have trusted in Christ to save them.  Because it is a gift from God through Christ, we cannot brag about it as if we had done it.

GOD HAS REDEEMED US

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. ~ Galatians 5:1

God has redeemed us from everything that Satan has taken from us. That means Christ purchased our freedom with His sacrifice on the cross. And one of those things Christ purchased for us was freedom from the fear of not doing enough.

WE’VE BEEN MADE ACCEPTABLE

…now you have been purified from sin, made holy, and given a perfect standing before God—all because of the power of the name of the Lord Jesus, the Messiah, and through our union with the Spirit of our God. ~ 1 Corinthians 6:11

We are made acceptable to God through our faith in Jesus Christ… we do not have to do a certain amount of work or make a certain number of sacrifices in order for Him to accept us.

JESUS CALLS THE WEARY TO HIM

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” ~ Matthew 11:28

Jesus didn’t tell us to come to Him and He would give us more things to do to be more acceptable to the Father. No. He wants to relieve us of these unnecessary burdens we have piled on our shoulders. In fact, the burden He gives us isn’t heavy at all, because He is helping us carry it. If we will let Him!

The only work we do that is acceptable to God is work that is done with a pure heart. ~ Joyce Meyer

WORK DONE FROM A PURE HEART (taken from Do It Afraid)

    1. Work done for God must be done purely because we love Him.
    2. Work done for God must be done in obedience to Him and His Word.
    3. Work done for God must be done in faith, leaning entirely on Him for its success.
    4. Work done for God must not be done to be seen and approved of by people, or to get their applause, admiration or acknowledgment. Purity of motive is God’s desire, and it should be ours, also.

Before we do anything we must check our motives. We don’t want to pray, study or do any works to gain approval from people or God. If we have accepted Jesus Christ as our Savior, God already approves of us. God loves us unconditionally. There is nothing I can do to make Him love me more today or tomorrow than He did yesterday.

I pray you will take a few minutes and contemplate how much God the Father loves you today. Because Jesus Christ came to earth, you can be free from all the tyrannical fears that torment you. If you haven’t accepted Christ as your Savior. Talk to Father God right now. He is listening!

Be blessed by this teaching clip from Momma Joyce!

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THE TWELVE LIFE RECOVERY GIFTS :: COURAGE

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 ninth post in the series. Today we are learning about the gift of courage.

The gift of courage: the ability to do something that frightens us… It replaces our old cowardice with boldness, strength and initiative. ~ The Twelve Gifts of Life Recovery

COURAGE: the quality of mind which enables us to encounter danger and difficulties with firmness, without fear or depression of spirit.

Remember to stay alert and hold firmly to all that you believe. Be mighty and full of courage. ~ 1 Corinthians 16:13

Before most of us had the courage to change, we had to come to the complete end of ourselves. We had to get to the place where the pain of staying the same was greater than the fear of change. It requires courage to stop living in denial and face the reality that we need the help of others to get better.

“To succeed in life recovery, we must confront our fear and conquer it. By God’s gift of courage, we can succeed!” ~ The Twelve Gifts of Life Recovery

It takes courage to faithfully walk in daily realities when we’d rather self-medicate ourselves or simply run from them. Whatever our drug of choice was, sex, gambling, shopping, eating, or alcohol — they were all a mechanism we used to hide from life instead of facing the challenges in front of us.

This is my command—be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go. ~ Joshua 1:9

With God’s gift of courage we can solve our problems instead of avoid them. We can go forward working our Life Recovery Steps no matter how difficult. As we do, our self-worth improves and soon we will see those old character defects turn into new positive traits.

God replaces our cowardice with His gift of courage!

Receive it today! Amen.

Be blessed with this beautiful song by Tim Hughes.

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THE HOLY SPIRIT :: Gifts of Tongues & Interpreting Tongues

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 ninth post in The Holy Spirit Study series.

And to another the gift of speaking different kinds of tongues. And to another the gift of interpretation of tongues. ~ 1 Corinthians 12:10

Like so many of the gifts from Holy Spirit, speaking in other tongues and the interpretation of tongues are misunderstood, criticized and even condemned among the Christian church body today. For things that are so divisive among believers, I give God the final word. In other words, I will go to Scripture to find the bottomline truth on the matter. Which really is what we should do on all things.

He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself. ~ 1 Corinthians 14:4

Depending on which translation you read, the verse above tells us that the person who speaks in tongues builds up their body and grows spiritually. Because our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit this is a vital practice we must embrace.

For one who speaks in an unknown tongue does not speak to people but to God; for no one understands him or catches his meaning, but by the Spirit he speaks mysteries [secret truths, hidden things]. ~ 1 Corinthians 14:2

The gift of tongues is primarily for the purpose of private worship; for personal prayer and praise to God. In doing so, Holy Spirit uncovers and reveals things to us that we need to know. When we pray in the Spirit we are in direct contact with God and our minds can be enlightened.

So then, if you speak in a tongue, pray for the interpretation to be able to unfold the meaning of what you are saying. ~ 1 Corinthians 14:13

Interpretation isn’t always needed or necessary. However, Scripture tells us we are to pray for the interpretation so that we may understand the meaning of what we are saying. This isn’t a word for word translation like we think of from an earthly language perspective. But rather, words, ideas, concepts, insights, thoughts and actions will be revealed to us in our spirit not from any metal activity.

So here’s what I’ve concluded. I will pray in the Spirit, but I will also pray with my mind engaged. I will sing rapturous praises in the Spirit, but I will also sing with my mind engaged. ~ 1 Corinthians 14:15

For the apostle Paul, praying in tongues had two specific way to be manifested: in corporate gatherings or private settings. When in a public setting and someone is praying in tongues and other are listening, it is necessary to have someone who can interpret so that the Word from God may minister to the group as a whole. Tongues in a private setting with no need of interpretation, is for personal edification.

But you, my delightfully loved friends, constantly and progressively build yourselves up on the foundation of your most holy faith by praying every moment in the Spirit. ~ Jude 20

Friends, if you haven’t been born again and received the filling of the Holy Spirit, I encourage you to reach out to God right now and ask Him for the gift of salvation and the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Your spiritual life walk will be so much richer for it! I pray God will bless you richly!

Enjoy this clip from Joseph Prince on why we need to pray in tongues.

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PSALM 91 :: AUTHORITY OVER THE ENEMY

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 thirteen.

You will trample upon lions and cobras; you will crush fierce lions and serpents under your feet! ~ Psalm 91:13

So far in our Psalm 91 study the focus has been on the defensive elements of God’s protection. We’ve learned that we are covered under God’s wings and surrounded by an army of mighty angels. However, a battle isn’t won by only fighting from a position of defense. There comes a time when we must go on the offense and confront our enemy. Today’s verse takes an offensive position of authority over the enemy!

God purposely chose what the world considers nonsense in order to shame the wise, and he chose what the world considers weak in order to shame the powerful. ~ 1 Corinthians 1:27

In our ordinary day-to-day lives we may not feel like we have any power over the evil forces around us. But we must remember, in Christ we are stronger that we realize. God has chosen what the world may see as weak to confuse and take down the powerful.

Be ready! Let the truth be like a belt around your waist, and let God’s justice protect you like armor. Your desire to tell the good news about peace should be like shoes on your feet. Let your faith be like a shield, and you will be able to stop all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Let God’s saving power be like a helmet, and for a sword use God’s message that comes from the Spirit. ~ Ephesians 6:14-17

When you look at all the pieces of the spiritual armor above, all of them are defensive weapons designed for protection: belt, helmet, breastplate, shoes and shield. God has given us everything we need to not only protect ourselves from the enemy. He has also given us the best weapon possible to defeat Satan… the sword of the Spirit: God’s Word.

And the God of peace will swiftly pound Satan to a pulp under your feet! And the wonderful favor of our Lord Jesus will surround you. ~ Romans 16:20

When we  use the authority give to us by Jesus and wield the mighty sword of God’s Word, we have power unlike any other. It gives us the ability to slice the devil down to nothing, to render him powerless in our lives. Scripture us the God of peace will pound Satan under our feet. Then God’s wonderful favor will surround us! What an incredible promise!

Don’t forget or forsake the authoritative promises that are available to you in God’s Word. Use it. It works!

Be strengthens by this powerful song by Crowder! Go crush some snakes!

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THE DO IT AFRAID BOOK STUDY :: TRUST GOD IN EVERY SITUATION

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 eighth post in The Do It Afraid Book Study series.

FREEDOM FROM THE FEAR THAT BAD THINGS WILL HAPPEN

Honor me by trusting in me in your day of trouble. Cry aloud to me, and I will be there to rescue you. ~ Psalm 50:15

The world is full of trouble. And just like Scripture promises in the end times, things will continue to get worse. Jesus himself even promised that we would have trouble. But with that He also encouraged us that we shouldn’t worry because He has already overcome the world and all its trouble. He has left us His special peace, that is nothing like what the world offers. But His peace is true peace!

I leave the gift of peace with you—my peace. Not the kind of fragile peace given by the world, but my perfect peace. Don’t yield to fear or be troubled in your hearts—instead, be courageous! ~ John 14:27

“When Jesus warns us of trouble ahead of time, I believe He does it not so we will not be afraid, but so we can be prepared. Those who believe in Jesus have no need to fear, because in addition to giving us warning of how difficult the end times will be, He has also promised to take care of us and to not allow us to be tempted beyond what we can bear.” ~ Joyce Meyer

But we are certainly not those who are held back by fear and perish; we are among those who have faith and experience true life! ~ Hebrews 10:39

Satan  is constantly trying to distract us from the life opportunities God gives us by throwing trials and trouble in our path. We should not cower in fear but rather stand firm in our faith. When we’re living in fear, worry and dread we are on a dead end path. Only a life of faith and trust leads to the peace-filled existence that Jesus has for us.

So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. So when your faith remains strong through many trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world. ~ 1 Peter 1:6-7

If we don’t give up on God, and endure the trials and troubles that come our way, God promises us that our faith will be stronger than it was before it was tested. With every trial and tribulation we are sure to grow in our walk with God!

Be blessed with this sweet rendition of Proverbs 3:5-6 put to music by Hillsong Kids.

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THE TWELVE LIFE RECOVERY GIFTS :: SELF-CONTROL

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 eighth post in the series. Today we are learning about the gift of self-control.

The gift of self-control is the ability to control our emotions, desires and actions especially during difficult situations.

When the Spirit of Christ empowers your life, you are not dominated by the flesh but by the Spirit. ~ Romans 8:9

When we give in to our weaknesses and system of addictions we are opening the door for the enemy to attack us and shutting the door to God’s protection over our life. This is very serious. God has called us to live in His kingdom not the kingdom of this world. We aren’t supposed to look like the other people or behave like other people.

As you yield to the dynamic life and power of the Holy Spirit, you will abandon the cravings of your self-life. When your self-life craves the things that offend the Holy Spirit you hinder him from living free within you! And the Holy Spirit’s intense cravings hinder your self-life from dominating you!  ~ Galatians 5:16-17

Self control isn’t something we have the power to create in ourselves. It’s a fruit of the Holy Spirit.  When we make a decision to walk in our addictions we aren’t walking in the Holy Spirit. We’re actually grieving or squelching the Holy Spirit when we give in to our areas of weakness. We are preventing the Holy Spirit from having full reign or room to live in us.

God abandoned them to do whatever shameful things their hearts desired. ~ Romans 1:24

If we continue giving in to our weaknesses God may eventually give us over to those fleshly desires and allow us to go down the dark spiral of death. Sure we might still make it to heaven. But we will have lost our witness and the opportunity to bring others with us.

The gift of self-control changes our orientation: Instead of seeking to accomplish our own will, we desire to understand God’s will for us. The more our desire to do God’s will overrules our own will the more our experience of self-control grows. It’s not our willpower that does it; it is God’s gift to us in our recovery. ~ The Life Recovery Bible

We sought through prayer and meditation to improve our conscious contact with God, praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry it out. ~ Step 11

Let’s protect ourselves, our life, our family, our future and our testimony by leaning in to God’s loving hands. He will be with us and protect us as we do.

Be blessed by this short teaching by Stephen Arterburn on The Gift of Self-Control.

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THE HOLY SPIRIT :: Fruit of Goodness & Kindness

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 eighth post in The Holy Spirit Study series.

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 5:22-23

While the gifts of Holy Spirit are virtues, the fruit are the resulting moral actions that flow from those gifts. With the help of Holy Spirit we are able to walk in these fruit during our daily lives and display them to those around us. In today’s post we will focus on the fruit of goodness and kindness.

GOODNESS: excellence; moral virtue; expressing itself in deeds

KINDNESS:  goodness in action; hospitality; benevolence; charity

Living our life while operating in our fleshly, worldly nature, we represent the antithesis, or complete opposite, of the qualities of Christ which flow in and through us when the Holy Spirit has complete control of our life.

The behavior of the self-life is obvious: Sexual immorality, lustful thoughts, pornography, chasing after things instead of God, manipulating others, hatred of those who get in your way, senseless arguments, resentment when others are favored, temper tantrums, angry quarrels, only thinking of yourself, being in love with your own opinions, being envious of the blessings of others, murder, uncontrolled addictions, wild parties, and all other similar behavior. ~ Galatians 5:19-21

We don’t have to look very far to see examples of ungodly behavior in our culture today. Sadly, even among people who claim to follow Christ. God truly wants more and better for all of us. If we will only give him full reign in our life.

Scripture tells us it is the kindness of God that causes people to turn to Him.  Unfortunately, some people never experience kindness and goodness in their life. When we express the kindness and goodness of Christ in our lives, we are truly being the hands and feet of God to those around us.

You’re kind and tenderhearted to those who don’t deserve it and very patient with people who fail you. Your love is like a flooding river overflowing its banks with kindness. God, everyone sees your goodness, for your tender love is blended into everything you do. ~ Psalm 145:8-9

As a beneficial by-product of allowing Christ to have control of our lives, the Holy Spirit produces the beautiful character traits of Jesus in us, known as the fruit of The Holy Spirit.  We have no control over how we get them. We can’t obtain them on our own.

If we want them to grow in our life we must know Jesus, love Jesus and imitate Jesus. When we do we will be living examples of Christ’s character that is so desperately needed in our world today.

Be blessed by this lovely worship song performed by Keith and Kristyn Getty and others.