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.
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 SURRENDER
REQUIREMENT: SURRENDER
RESULT: VICTORY
SURRENDER: a decision to no longer rely on our own wisdom and strength but instead to allow God to help us—both directly and through others—so that we can accomplish good things. If you cannot find it within yourself to take this giant step toward healing, you will not be able to move forward in working the Twelve Steps. (The Twelve Laws of Life Recovery)
The wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and the fruit of good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere.~ James 3:17
In the verse above, James is describing surrender through the humble act of yielding ourselves to others. Our willingness is joined with our surrendering when we say to God that we accept His will versus our own will. Ultimately, our surrendered life will become a celebration of our victory in Christ that others will witness.
Fools think their own way is right, but the wise listen to others.~ Proverbs 12:15
Surrender is critical to a victorious life of recovery. This cannot be overstated. If we continue to follow our own will and ways we will most certainly repeat our past mistakes and failures.
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up. ~ James 4:10
We must make the tough decision to fully surrender to what God’s Word says about how life should be lived. It’s not about our opinion of whether it is right or wrong. It’s about being blessed because of our obedience.
I pray you are blessed by this victorious worship song 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 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 chapters nine, ten and eleven. Enjoy!
CH. 9: YIELDED TO SATAN OR JESUS
Sin reigned with life under the law, condemning all to eternal death. But because of what Jesus Christ has done for us on the cross, grace now reigns bringing all who accept Him, the gift eternal life.
Does it mean we are free to sin, because we are ruled by God’s gift of undeserved grace and not by the Law? Certainly not! Don’t you know that you are slaves of anyone you obey? You can be slaves of sin and die, or you can be obedient slaves of God and be acceptable to him. ~ Romans 6:15-16
Living an unholy life won’t keep God from loving us. But it will allow Satan access to us that we don’t want. Satan comes to steal, kill and destroy. So when we live a sinful life we open ourselves up to his evil tactics.
“God’s grace teaches us to live a holy life.” ~ Andrew Wommack
If we fully understand the power of the God’s grace in our lives it will break the dominance of sin over us. As we continue growing in our relationship with God, we will naturally have the fruit of holiness as a result of our right standing with Him.
CH. 10: DESIRE PURITY
When we are born-again we become like Jesus in our spirits. We will become like Jesus in our minds and bodies when He returns. Like we stated above, under grace we manifest holiness and desire to fulfill an inner desire for purity.
Don’t let sin keep ruling your lives. You are ruled by God’s undeserved grace and not by the Law. ~ Romans 6:14
If we live our life under the law with a performance based relationship with God, we will empower sin in our life. But as we begin to allow our born-again, new nature to rule, our actions will begin to be purified.
“To the degree that you give yourself totally over to the things of God, I believe you can live free from sin.” ~ Andrew Wommack
Because we are born-again in Jesus, Satan can’t discredit the righteousness or right standing we now have in God, through Christ. He can no longer hold our unworthiness over our heads as a tool to distract and brow-beat us. He has lost all his power over us and will lose all those arguments because we have Jesus’ Name over us now!
CH. 11: You Are What You Think
So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. ~ Romans 8:6
Our heart is like a garden and our thoughts in our mind are the seeds that eventually take root in our heart and grow into actions that manifest in our lives in time. If we are constantly seeing ourselves as the old person we once were before we were born-again, we will continue to be that old person inside and out.
“You can tell what you’ve been thinking by what you’re reaping. If you aren’t reaping life and peace, then you haven’t been spiritually minded.” ~ Andrew Wommack
If we have been born-again with the Spirit of Christ in us, we aren’t that old person any longer. Praise God we have been make new! All those old ways are gone away. We have become new, inside and out. That includes our thought process. But we must be intentional to stay in God’s Word and continue to renew our minds each and everyday.
Be blessed by this teaching video from Andrew Wommack!
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 murder.” ~ Exodus 20:13
MURDER : to kill a human being with premeditated malice
Commandments six through ten secure critical structures of our civilization. They protect the essential foundations of life, property, family; justice and truth; not only for the individual but for the community as a whole.
Many people mistakenly believe the Sixth Commandment says “Do Not Kill.” This Commandment isn’t about accidental killing or for the purpose of self-defense. Neither is it about the defense of the nation in wartime or capital punishment. Both of which are sanctioned to government authority by God.
The sixth Commandment is specifically focused on the sacredness of human life in God’s eyes. Since man is made in God’s image, humans are the only one of His creations which would be considered to have the sanctity of life.
“You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment!” ~ Matthew 5:22
Unless we seek to understand why God made the Commandments in the first place, we miss their deeper meaning. Jesus expanded on the Commandments by bringing them down to what’s at the root of a person’s attitude. Rather than focusing on the outward actions, Jesus is teaching us to guard our heart.
Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires.So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls. ~ James 1:19-21
In the verses above, James, the half brother of Christ, teaches us that anger doesn’t develop the righteous life God wants for us. We must intentionally purge our heart of all evil and plant God’s Word in our hearts. That is the only power that will save our souls!
UPDATE YOUR MEMORY
Our memory aid for the Sixth Commandment shows us the image of a bomb in the shape of a 6, reminding us to not murder people.
Take a few minutes and glean wisdom from Dennis Prager’s teaching on The Sixth 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 recovery from any addiction and therefore no true freedom!”
After King Solomon’s death in 931 BC the stressful relationships between the Hebrew tribes divided them into two kingdoms; with Israel being the northern kingdom and Judah the southern kingdom. The contrasting stories of the kings who reigned over the two kingdoms show us lives of those who chose to live according to God’s law vs those who decided to go their own way.
I promise that I will honor those who honor me, and those who despise me will be considered insignificant. ~ 1 Samuel 2:30
When we look at the history of the kings of Israel and Judah we can see that the kingdoms suffered under the kings who didn’t follow the Lord. However, God’s grace was shown to the kingdom and the people as long as the king obeyed and honored God’s laws.
A surprisingly low number of kings were faithful to God. Out of the 39 kings who reigned over Judah and Israel only eight from the southern kingdom of Judah were good. All 19 kings from the northern kingdom of Israel did evil in the eyes of the Lord.
He will never forget His agreement or His promises, not in thousands of years. ~ Psalm 105:8
The good news is that God is not only a loving law giver, He is a gracious promise maker. And He keeps His promises to a thousand generations. Although the kings in the divided Hebrew kingdoms failed miserably to follow God’s laws, He graciously kept the promise he kept not only to Abraham, but to King David.
For when you die and are buried with your ancestors, I will raise up one of your descendants, your own offspring, and I will make his kingdom strong… Your house and your kingdom will continue before me for all time, and your throne will be secure forever. ~ 2 Samuel 7:12; 16
The promise to David included the heir that would later become the Messiah, Jesus Christ The Righteous One Who brought the power of grace to free all humanity from evil and sin.
Praise God Jesus is the King of my heart. His love endures forever. His goodness and mercy lasts for eternity!
Be blessed by this wonderful worship song by Kutless.
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 FAITH
REQUIREMENT: FAITH
RESULT: HOPE
“Our progress is measured in part by how we handle our problems and trials. When we endure the hard stuff, we build strength of character, which in turn builds our faith. It is that faith that leads to hope, which is built on knowing that we are loved by God.”~ THE TWELVE LAWS OF LIFE RECOVERY
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance.And endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation.And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love.~ Romans 5:3-5
During struggles we need to determine what barriers are keeping us from walking in faith. We must see things from God’s perspective and stop looking at life from our human viewpoint. Battling life challenges builds our character and can bring us hope when we see God’s faithfulness through them.
Our focus scripture above helps us understand how faith can lead to hope even in the midst of challenging life circumstances. Paul shows us see the difference between our self-centered focus and God’s perspective of growth in challenging times. Let’s break it down.
We can rejoice, too, when we run into problems and trials, for we know that they help us develop endurance. ~ Romans 5:3
Problems don’t naturally seem like a time to rejoice. But the Word promises if we keep our faith in God these circumstances are bringing us something good.
endurance develops strength of character, and character strengthens our confident hope of salvation. ~ Romans 5:4
Endurance is pivotal to growing our character. During challenging times is when we grow the most spiritually. These time require us to trust God and wait for Him to change the people or circumstances that are troubling us.
this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love. ~ Romans 5:5
While the world and life is filled with disappointments. One thing we can depend on to not disappoint: Hope that comes from God!
This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. ~ Hebrews 6:19
“The hope we have as a result of faith is a strong and trustworthy anchor that will hold us steady in the midst of our trials and temptations.” ~ THE TWELVE LAWS OF LIFE RECOVERY
Be blessed with this Elevation Worship song: Give Me Faith!
