Category: Addiction Recovery

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THE TWELVE LAWS OF LIFE RECOVERY | Responsibility

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 RESPONSIBILITY

REQUIREMENT: RESPONSIBILITY
RESULT: SECURITY

God said to Abraham, “Your responsibility is to obey the terms of the covenant. You and all your descendants have this continual responsibility.” ~ Genesis 17:9

Responsibility means living up to our part of life, not blaming others or expecting someone else to make up for what we lack. When we do our part by living responsibly in our everyday lives, we experience a genuine sense of security.~ The Twelve Laws of Life Recovery

Life can be complicated and difficult. But more often than not, our choices have made it that way. We must make the tough decisions to deliberately and intentionally take responsibility to manage our own lives with God’s help to the best of our ability.

Ask for forgiveness and make restitution to others where we can. Respond in an understanding and compassionate grace filled way to people and situations out of our control.

One of the best ways to forgive those who have harmed us is to see them as people who have been harmed themselves. When we look at others through God’s eyes, it’s easier to forgive. Remembering that just because we have forgiving someone doesn’t mean we have to continue in relationship with them.

Most importantly, responsibility means taking ownership of what we own: our emotions, our spiritual growth, the gifts we have been given by God and the hurts we have caused others. When we begin doing this we are living responsibly.

Enjoy this clip from Stephen Arterburn that is related to this topic. Blessings!

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THE TWELVE LAWS OF LIFE RECOVERY | Confession

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.

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 CONFESSION

REQUIREMENT: CONFESSION
RESULT: HEALING

So admit your sins to each other, and pray for each other so that you will be healed. ~ James 5:16

We are all prone to hide our weaknesses. But by not taking responsibility for our mistakes is very unhealthy.

Our hidden secrets grow in the darkness and will ultimately take over our life if we let them. The longer we hide them, the more painful it will be to confess them and change our behavior.

Confession is not real unless it is honest–both in what is revealed and what is not. Telling the whole truth in full disclosure is the only acceptable kind of confession that produces healing. ~ The Twelve Laws of Recovery

Once we do make confession, healing begins, not just in our own hearts, but in personal relationships and with God. The pain of confession is totally worth it!

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THE TWELVE LAWS OF LIFE RECOVERY | Restitution

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 RESTITUTION

REQUIREMENT: RESTITUTION
RESULT: CLOSURE

 

They must confess their sin and make full restitution for what they have done, adding an additional 20 percent and returning it to the person who was wronged. ~ Numbers 5:7

Step 9: We made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.

As recovering addicts working the 12 Steps, we all at one time will need to make our amends. The law of restitution is similar to making amends but it takes it a little bit further. Rather than trying to amend a broken relationship when we make restitution we are working to resolve what may have been lost or destroyed by our behavior: financial mistakes, physical injuries, sexual sins, etc.

So if you are about to offer your gift to God at the altar and there you remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar, go at once and make peace with your brother, and then come back and offer your gift to God.~ Matthew 5:23-24

“We cannot sincerely worship God with our words and sacrifices until we have made things right with other people.” ~ The Twelve Laws of Life Recovery

It’s important that we make every effort possible, if possible to restore healing to the relationships that we can. Prayerfully, go to God for direction on who He wants you to make restitution with. Take time to write a letter if necessary or even see them in person. Ask them what it would take from you for them to feel like you have really restored the relationship.

Remember, we are not called to be in relationship with everyone we have hurt in the past. Some people we must make restitution through our Father from a distance.

Be blessed with this beautiful song by Casting Crowns.

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THE TWELVE LAWS OF LIFE RECOVERY | Forgiveness

REACHING HURTING WOMEN MINISTRIES OFFERS FOUR TOPICS FOR CONTEMPLATION EVERY MONTH. EACH TOPIC IS A 12-MONTH STUDY ASSIGNED TO A SPECIFIC FRIDAY OF THE MONTH. IN MONTHS WITH FIVE FRIDAYS WE REVIEW INSPIRATIONAL CHRISTIAN MEDIA.

On the third Friday of each month in 2022 we’re focusing our life recovery work on The Twelve Laws of Life Recovery: God’s Wisdom and Guidance for Your Journey with Stephen Arterburn and David Stoop. This powerful study will take our life of recovery to a level of freedom most of us haven’t yet experienced.

THE TWELVE LAWS OF LIFE RECOVERY 

Each month we’re looking at a requirement that guides us to a specific result which will ultimately fill our lives with love, gratitude and the serenity we desire.

THE LAW OF FORGIVENESS

REQUIREMENT: FORGIVENESS
RESULT: FREEDOM

 

“FORGIVENESS is a choice that does not necessarily involve the person we need to forgive. It’s a one-sided transaction, a unilateral extension of grace. So there’s really no excuse for not forgiving others as God has forgiven us.” ~ The Twelve Laws of Recovery

You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins. He canceled the record of the charges against us and took it away by nailing it to the cross. ~ Colossians 2:13-14

The law of forgiveness frees US from our pain.

When we continue to walk in unforgiveness because someone has hurt or betrayed us, we put ourself in bondage to that hurt and to that person. We become trapped with bitterness and resentment and ultimately hurt ourselves as well as our relationship with God.

When we’re able to forgive others we release that relationship and free ourselves from the painful bondage of the hurt from our past.

If you want a life of recovery, you must be willing to forgive. ~ The Twelve Laws of Life Recovery

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THE TWELVE LAWS OF LIFE RECOVERY | Service

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

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THE TWELVE LAWS OF LIFE RECOVERY | Surrender

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.

 

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THE TWELVE LAWS OF LIFE RECOVERY | Faith

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!

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THE TWELVE LAWS OF LIFE RECOVERY | Sacrifice

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 fill our lives with love, gratitude and serenity. Each of the Twelve Laws of Life Recovery are aligned with one of the Twelve Steps of Life Recovery. As you go through the study you will see how they work together.

 

THE LAW OF SACRIFICE

REQUIREMENT: SACRIFICE
RESULT: FULFILLMENT

“The law of sacrifice is a powerful force in life recovery. Before we begin our recovery… we focus on pleasing ourselves and on what the world thinks is important… but we will not truly know fulfillment or significance until we learn the value of sacrifice.” ~ The Twelve Laws of Life Recovery

And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. ~ Romans 12:1-2

Our focus scripture, Romans 12:1-2 helps us understand how our life can become fulfilled when we have a mentality of sacrifice. Let’s break it down.

1. Dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God

The Apostle Paul’s call to sacrifice our body to God doesn’t leave anything out.  No matter what our “drug of choice” is, we must willingly sacrifice what makes us feel good for God’s sake.

2. Give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you

We will find a fulfilling life if we will gratefully offer our body to God as a living and holy sacrifice in response to all He has done for us.

3. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable

God isn’t asking us to stop living. He wants us to live a life separated from what the bad things the world focuses on. That is a sacrifice that God can accept.

4. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world

Another reminder that we are to be separated from the ways of the world. We are not to try and fit in with those around us. But rather we are to follow Christ and through the power of the Holy Spirit we can show an example of His light to the world.

5. Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think

We are not just to sacrificially offer our bodies. We need to give him our mind as well. God wants to change us from the inside out starting. To do that we have to sacrifice our perspective. But this process won’t start unless we get in God’s Word. As we daily read scripture, our minds will be transformed to the way God thinks and acts.

6. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect

As we surrender to God and stop trying to do everything our way, we will learn that He has a much better plan for our lives. His ways are good and perfectly designed for us. When we follow God’s will and ways He is pleased and our life is fulfilled. And those around us will see God’s blessings on our life!

Fulfillment comes when we know God’s will for our lives and when we sacrifice everything or our own in order to live within the boundaries of His will. ~ The Twelve Law of Life Recovery

Take some time to dedicate your life to God as a living sacrifice with this powerful song by Brandon Lake. Be blessed!

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THE TWELVE LAWS OF LIFE RECOVERY | Willingness

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 fill our lives with love, gratitude and serenity. Each of the Twelve Laws of Life Recovery are aligned with one of the Twelve Steps of Life Recovery. As you go through the study you will see how they work together.

THE LAW OF WILLINGNESS

REQUIREMENT: willingness
RESULT: growth

Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. ~ Colossians 3:23

“Willingness opens the door to new paths that lead to growth. Resistance or stubbornness are signs of foolish ness and self-delusion.” ~ The Twelve Laws of Life Recovery

There’s a childish side of us all that wants everything our way. Those of us in life recovery have probably experienced a time when friends or family members tried to get us to stop our addictive habits or behaviors. But we were foolish and stubbornly refused to listen or comply with their requests. We were unwilling to change. We wanted to live life on our terms.

But 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

Take a moment of inventory…

Are you living a life of wisdom? The proof you are not wise is a lack of purity, love, gentleness and a willingness to yield to others. When we willing submit to God we open our selves to His wisdom. We will begin to grow personally and our lives will produce godly results that others will see.

Take a few moments to watch / listen to this beautiful Casting Crowns song.

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THE TWELVE LAWS OF LIFE RECOVERY | Connection

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

THE TWELVE LAWS OF LIFE RECOVERY 

Each month we’re looking at a requirement that guides us to a specific result which will fill our lives with love, gratitude and serenity. Each of the Twelve Laws of Life Recovery are aligned with one of the Twelve Steps of Life Recovery. As you go through the study you will see how they work together.

THE LAW OF CONNECTION

REQUIREMENT: connection

RESULT: love

Let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love…Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us. ~ 1 John 4:7-8, 11-12

“If you fulfill the requirement of making healthy connections, you will find that your life is full of more love.” ~ The Twelve Laws of Life Recovery

We all long to be loved

Even though we are all looking for love most of us don’t realize that to receive love requires making connections. For some, that’s too much work. Many people choose to live lonely, loveless lives rather than having to connect with other people.

unhealthy connections

Some of us grew up in homes where there was lots of rules and little emotional connection at all. Then there are those who are trapped in abusive relationships thinking that what they experience is love, when it is not love at all. What is the solution to both? God of course!

Transformed with Healthy Connections

We can transform our life by building deep healthy connections with other people. This may mean we have to forgive someone who has hurt us. Or it may require us to sever a toxic relationship.  It may also mean reaching out to someone you wouldn’t normally be with.  God may lead you to a group of people who will return the healthy connection of love to you.

Love God – Love People

And I know it is important to love him with all my heart and all my understanding and all my strength, and to love my neighbor as myself. This is more important than to offer all of the burnt offerings and sacrifices required in the law. ~ Mark 12:33

It’s important that we are intentional about deepening our connection with God. To do that we must first acknowledge God. Take time to listen. Meditate on God’s Word. Talk to Him through prayer. As we become more closely connected to God we will naturally share the love we’ve received with those around us. Then we will be more connected to them too.

The more love we experience, the deeper and more valuable our connections with God and with others will become. ~ The Twelve Laws of Life Recovery

Take a few minutes and be blessed by Danny Gokey’s uplifting song.