Category: Spiritual Growth

Posted on

THE RED SEA RULES STUDY :: GOD MEANS FOR YOU TO BE WHERE YOU ARE

AT RHW WE PUBLISH A NEW COLUMN EACH FRIDAY. WE’RE GOING THROUGH FOUR SPECIFIC STUDIES WITH EACH SERIES BEING PUBLISHED ON A DESIGNATED WEEK OF THE MONTH.

In THE RED SEA RULES series we’re using the wonderful book by Robert J. Morgan as our guideline for a deep study of Exodus 14. Join me on the fourth Friday of each month in 2020 as we apply Morgan’s “10 God-Given Strategies for Difficult Times” to our lives today.

RED SEA RULE 1: Realize that God means for you to be where you are.

“God spoke to Moses: “Tell the Israelites to turn around and make camp at Pi Hahiroth, between Migdol and the sea. Camp on the shore of the sea opposite Baal Zephon.” ~ Exodus 14:1-2

DEAD ENDS AND QUESTION MARKS

In the first Scripture of our study we read that God tells Moses to turn the Israelites around and make camp on the shore of the Red Sea. I’m sure the Israelites were wondering why they turned around and are going back from where they came instead of going away from the Egyptians.

“Worry is putting question marks where God has put periods.” ~ John R. Rice

It’s easy to get bogged down in worry and wonder why we are in the situation we are in today. We may even begin to think we are at fault for some reason.

In times like these it’s important that to realize that God has everything under control. He has either put us here and will get us out. Or if we have put ourselves here, God will still get us out and good will come from it.

WHEN FACING A TOUGH SITUATION REMEMBER YOU ARE:

    • In God’s Assignment: We are here for a reason.
    • In God’s Protection: We are being kept safe.
    • In God’s Education: We are learning something for our future.
    • In God’s Plan: It all works together for good one day.

As you ponder life’s hills and valleys enjoy this beautiful song posted below by Tauren Wells.

Posted on

THE NEW LIFE :: SET YOUR MIND ABOVE

AT RHW WE PUBLISH A NEW COLUMN EACH FRIDAY. WE’RE GOING THROUGH FOUR SPECIFIC STUDIES WITH EACH SERIES BEING PUBLISHED ON A DESIGNATED WEEK OF THE MONTH.

In THE NEW LIFE series we’re studying one of my favorite chapters in the Bible: Colossians 3:1-17. As you will see in the coming months, this is a rich chapter full of valuable life transforming lessons. Join me on the third Friday of each month in 2020 for this in-depth Bible study with real world application.

Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.~ Colossians 1:2

Living a heaven-focused life isn’t easy. Worldly distractions abound… freeway billboards, pop-up ads on our Internet browser, club music in the grocery store and that doesn’t count television, radio and magazines. It’s estimated that we’re hit with up to 10, 000 influences almost every day.

How on earth can we keep our minds set on heaven?

MADE IN GOD’S IMAGE

Because human beings are made in God’s image we have the ability to think like God thinks. Scripture teaches us to think higher thoughts like God does. If God tells us to do something it’s possible to do it. When we ask God for help, make every effort to be obedient He will give us good success.

Whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. ~ Philippians 4:8

DEVELOP A SPIRITUALLY DISCIPLINED LIFE

There is incredible value in learning and applying spiritual disciplines such as: prayer, study, service, confession and worship.  On the 2nd Friday of 2020 at RHW we are doing a Spiritual Disciplines study. One of my favorite Bibles: The Life With God Bible is developed around the spiritual disciplines. It’s an excellent resource and great place to begin your study to grow more disciplined.

You’re only truly happy when you walk in total integrity,
walking in the light of God’s word. What joy overwhelms everyone who keeps the ways of God, those who seek him as their heart’s passion! They’ll never do what’s wrong but will always choose the paths of the Lord. God has prescribed the right way to live: obeying his laws with all our hearts. ~ Psalm 119:1-4 (TPT)

REJECT WHAT ISN’T FROM GOD

It’s easy to be influenced by worldly things. I’m very strict with what I allow to grab my attention. Whether it’s the tv in the lunch room at work or the radio playing at a co-worker’s desk; I have to be intentional to not let ungodly influences creep in.

Stop imitating the ideals and opinions of the culture around you, but be inwardly transformed by the Holy Spirit through a total reformation of how you think. This will empower you to discern God’s will as you live a beautiful life, satisfying and perfect in his eyes. ~ Romans 12:2

SEEK HEALTHY FELLOWSHIPS

There’s no question we become like the people we hang out with. It’s critical that we choose our friends carefully. Jesus may have eaten dinner with sinners but they weren’t his closest companions. Having godly friendship is a form of accountability helps protect us from falling back into sinful patterns.

If we are living in the light of God’s presence, just as Christ does, then we have wonderful fellowship and joy with each other, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from every sin. ~ 1 John 1:7

As we fellowship with other believers, practice the spiritual disciplines and keep godly influences around us it will be easier to be Kingdom minded individuals–keeping our minds set on things above.

Spend a few minutes Touching Heaven with this beautiful song by Influence Music.

Posted on

THE SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES :: WORSHIP

AT RHW WE PUBLISH A NEW COLUMN EACH FRIDAY. WE’RE GOING THROUGH FOUR SPECIFIC STUDIES WITH EACH SERIES BEING PUBLISHED ON A DESIGNATED WEEK OF THE MONTH.

In The Spiritual Disciplines series we’ll be learning 12 disciplines that will guide us as we grow deeper in our walk with God. These columns will post on the second Friday of each month in 2020.

Spiritual Disciplines are not a list of religious duties. But rather habits that nurture and mature our spiritual growth. They are inward, spiritual attitudes walked out by behaviors and actions. These habits are critical for lasting spiritual growth and true life transformation.

“Worship: expressing in words, music, rituals, and silent adoration the greatness, beauty, and goodness of God, by means of which we enter the supernatural reality of the glory of God.” ~ The Life With God Bible

The Spiritual Discipline of Worship is a vital habit to our personal spiritual growth and our relationship with God. It is so important that Jesus makes it his first commandment:

Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.~ Mark 12:30

We worship God for Who He is and for what He has done. For every type of person there are as many individual ways of worshiping God.

Worship involves our whole being. As we present ourselves in worship it’s important that our posture be consistent with our inner spirit.

In a humble spirit of adoration we quietly kneel before the Father.

In a spirit of praise we dance with joy and thanksgiving to God.

In honor of God’s greatness and majesty we can lie prostrate on the floor or we can rejoice in fellowship with singing for God’s goodness.

Worship music for anyone is available. To go with the different types of worship experiences we have a plethora of worship music available to us today. Personally, worship music is my favorite music to listen to on a regular basis. It fills my spirit and prepares me to meet my work day.

Some helpful steps for worship:

        1. Seek God’s Presence Daily.
        2. Develop a holy dependency on God.
        3. Try different types of worship experiences.
        4. Prepare your heart  in advance for corporate worship.
        5. Worship even when you don’t feel like it.
        6. During worship let the distractions roll off.

Worship isn’t for the faint of heart. But for the obedient it strengthens our relationship with God and prepares us to face whatever comes our way. It builds us up and propels us through this exciting life in the Spirit.

“If we long to go where God is going, and do what God is doing, we will move into deeper, more authentic worship.”  ~ Richard Foster

Lift up your voice to God in worship with this beautiful new favorite song of mine performed by Kanye’s Sunday Service Choir.

Posted on

THE LORD’S PRAYER :: HALLOWED NAME

AT RHW WE PUBLISH A NEW COLUMN EACH FRIDAY. WE’RE GOING THROUGH FOUR SPECIFIC STUDIES WITH EACH SERIES BEING PUBLISHED ON A DESIGNATED WEEK OF THE MONTH.

In The Lord’s Prayer Jesus is teaching his disciples how to pray, giving them not just a prayer to recite, but also a model prayer for us all. This series will be published the first Friday of each month in 2020. We will be studying this beloved prayer phrase by phrase and bringing fresh application to our lives today.

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever.  Amen. ~ Matthew 6: 9-13

 

“HALLOWED BE THY NAME”

hallowed: consecrated to a sacred use; reverenced

holy: perfectly pure and immaculate

In the Webster’s 1828 Dictionary definitions above you can see the word “hallowed” in our phrase for this week speaks to the holiness of the Father’s name.  Jesus is teaching us that at the very beginning of our prayer we need to remember who we are addressing. We aren’t talking to just anyone.

Honoring God’s Name.

You shall not misuse the name of the Lord your God. ~ Exodus 20:7

The use of God’s name is so important it made God’s top ten list: The Ten Commandments. God’s name isn’t to be used lightly or thrown about casually. God’s name is to be set apart from all others, respected and reverenced.

Walking Examples of God’s Name.

As Christians our lives are to be set apart from the rest of the world. Because we are Christians, people expect us to live differently, especially if they knew us before we became Christians. We now have Jesus’ name linked with ours. Life isn’t just about us anymore.

Be holy as God is holy. ~ 1 Peter 1:16

In the Scripture above Peter challenges us with a humanly impossible task: to be holy as God is holy. Our behaviors may not always match up. But by accepting Christ as our savior, through Jesus we can be holy because he is holy.

Called To Holy Living.

 As God’s obedient children, never again shape your lives by the desires that you followed when you didn’t know better. Instead, shape your lives to become like the Holy One who called you. ~ 1 Peter 1:14-15

We must honor and respect, the holiness of God’s name by the way we live. Somedays it’s hard especially if we’re trying to do it in our own strength. But because the Holy Spirit lives in us He can guide us and our desires,

As we live in reverential fear of the Lord, surrender our lives daily, read His Word regularly for direction, our lives become a walking testimony that blesses the Lord’s Hallowed Name and brings Him glory and honor.

Take a few minutes to worship God with Matt Redman’s beautiful video.

Posted on

THE RED SEA RULES STUDY :: INTRODUCTION

At RHW we publish a new column each Friday. We’re going through four specific studies with each series being published on a designated week of the month.

In THE RED SEA RULES series we’re using the wonderful book by Robert J. Morgan as our guideline for a deep study of Exodus 14. Join me on the fourth Friday of each month in 2020 as we apply Morgan’s “10 God-Given Strategies for Difficult Times” to our lives today.

You may recall from my book review of The Red Sea Rules in November 2019 that I’ve been reading this lovely book as a weekend devotion. It never fails to be spot on to certain situations I’m going through now. As I was praying about what to publish in 2020 on RHW, I thought what a great study this would be to do together with you.

Over the next 12 months we’re going on an Exodus excursion with Moses and the children of Israel. With the guidance of Robert J. Morgan and his excellent book The Red Sea Rules: 10 God-Given Strategies for Difficult Times we will learn valuable life lessons that will help us overcome whatever struggles we experience today.

“Just as Moses and the Israelites found themselves caught between ‘the devil and the deep Red Sea,’ so are we sometimes overwhelmed by life’s problems. The Red Sea Rules reveals that even in the midst of seemingly impossible situations God promises to make a way for us. His loving guidance will protect us through danger, illness, marital strife, financial problems or whatever challenges Satan places in our path.” (from book cover)

Our first Red Sea Rule Study will be published on February 28. Thereafter you can expect a new column in this series on the fourth Friday of each month in 2020. December will be a wrap-up of what we’ve learned throughout the year.

I’m really looking forward to studying this series with you. The reading and research I’ve been doing thus far is fascinating. I’m learning so many things regarding the Exodus and application to our modern lives and spiritual growth. I hope you will join me for the journey. You’ll be glad you did!

Take a few minutes to remember how God has miraculously split the sea and rescued you in the past with this inspirational song by Hanna Kerr.

;

Posted on

THE NEW LIFE :: HEAVEN’S PRIORITIES

At RHW we publish a new column each Friday. We’re going through four specific studies with each series being published on a designated week of the month.

In THE NEW LIFE series we’re studying one of my favorite chapters in the Bible: Colossians 3:1-17. As you will see in the coming months, this is a rich chapter full of valuable life transforming lessons. Join me on the third Friday of each month in 2020 for this in-depth Bible study with real world application.

Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. ~ Colossians 1:1 (NLT)

 

Since you have been raised to new life with Christ,…

In our first verse Paul is encouraging believers to realize that Jesus wasn’t the only one who was raised from the dead. As believers in Jesus Christ we’ve all been raised to a new life with Christ. From God’s perspective every believer– past, present or future –is considered raised with Christ. Because we’ve been resurrected out of our walking-dead state we can live new lives of freedom with God in Christ.

…set your sights on the realities of heaven,…

Paul goes on to tell us that because we’ve been raised from the dead with Christ our focus should not be on earthly things. Setting our hearts and minds on the realities of heaven we’ll strive to walk out these priorities in daily life. As we begin to see life from heaven’s point of view we’ll naturally pursue a deeper knowledge of Christ and everything that’s involved in living for Him and with Him.

“Fix your thoughts on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me—everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.” ~ Philippians 4:8-9 (NLT)

…where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand.

One of the most important heavenly realities we must see, truly foundational to our new life, is that we must recognize that Jesus Christ is seated next to His Father in heaven. In this place of honor and authority Jesus makes intercession for us to the Father. Unless we recognize the truth of Christ’s authority in heaven and on earth, He won’t have a place of authority in our lives either.

To develop our new life and actively pursue heaven’s priorities requires discipline. Here are some key disciplines to apply to your life:

      • * Discipline your heart by memorizing Scripture.

        * Discipline your mind by rejecting anything not from God.

        * Discipline your relationships with healthy fellowship.

What does this new life look like? How are we supposed to live? Check back on the third Friday next month as we continue our study of Colossians 3 and The New Life.

Let’s enthrone King Jesus with our highest praises singing this powerful song by Jeremy Riddle and Bethel Music.

 

Posted on

THE SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES :: SUBMISSION

Spiritual Disciplines are not a list of religious duties. But rather habits that nurture and mature our spiritual growth. They are inward, spiritual attitudes walked out by behaviors and actions. These habits are critical for lasting spiritual growth and true life transformation.

In The Spiritual Disciplines series we’ll be learning 12 disciplines that will guide us as we grow deeper in our walk with God. These columns will post on the second Friday of each month in 2020.

SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES: habits that nurture spiritual growth. 

SUBMISSION : aligning my will and freedom with God’s will and freedom; submitting to others in love and reverence for Christ.

“Be humble in the Lord’s presence, and He will honor you.” ~ James 4:10

“Place yourselves under each other’s authority out of respect for Christ.” ~ Ephesians 5:21

 

The Spiritual Discipline of Submission in the truest sense is humbling ourselves, actually lowering ourselves beneath the power and authority of Jesus Christ as our Lord, King and Master. By doing so we’re making ourselves subjects in His Kingdom; allowing ourselves to be ruled by His wisdom, not our own.

The potential for power and leadership in our personal lives is grown and developed in the classroom of the disciplines. While submission plays a part in our relationships with others, we won’t know how to truly submit to any authority figure, or show respect to people in general, unless we’re able to submit our heart and souls to God Almighty.

“Fear God or fear everything else.” ~ Kanye West

Unless and until we submit to God’s authority over our lives we’ll be vacillating between seeking the world’s approval or fearing the world’s rejection in some form or other. But as we humble ourselves, and live our life for the audience of One, He will honor our efforts and give us true success beyond what we have asked for or expect.

Take a few minutes to contemplate the Spiritual Discipline of Submission with this beautiful worship video from Hillsong Worship.  If you haven’t done so, consider aligning your will with God’s will now, giving Him full reign of your heart and life. There will never be a better time than today.

Posted on

THE LORD’S PRAYER :: OUR FATHER

At RHW we publish new columns each Friday. We’re going through four specific studies with each study series published on its own designated week of the month.

The Lord’s Prayer series will be published on the first Friday of each month in 2020. We will be studying this beloved prayer phrase by phrase and learning fresh ways to apply it to our lives today.

Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever.  Amen. ~ Matthew 6: 9-13

 

This beloved prayer, traditionally called The Lord’s Prayer or The Our Father, is taken directly from Scripture and spoken by Jesus to His disciples. The first account is in Matthew chapter 6 (quoted above) during Jesus’ most famous teaching, The Sermon on the Mount, where He is teaching a detailed lesson on how citizens of the kingdom are supposed to live.

The second reference of The Lord’s Prayer is in Luke 11: 1-13 where the disciples are asking Jesus to teach them how to pray. No doubt they had witnessed Jesus often retreating in prayerful solitary time with His Father and wanted to learn how to do that themselves. Jesus then sweetly teaches the disciples this beloved prayer that the many of us have held onto through rough days and long nights.

The Our Father prayer begins where we must start… recognizing and honoring our heavenly Father.

For some, seeing God as a father is painful and difficult because our earthly father may have let us down in some way, maybe even harmed us.

Father God isn’t a man who is untrustworthy. As our best Father, God provides, nurtures, protects, comforts, heals, guides, encourages, trains and corrects us… all for our good.

“I will be a Father to you, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.” ~ 2 Corinthians 6:18 

God has spent thousands of years trying to show humanity how much He loves us. Is He reaching out to you today?

Take a few minutes to contemplate the love of your Heavenly Father with this beautiful rendition of the Our Father by Hillsong Worship.

Posted on

RHW 2020!

Happy New Year Friends!

I’m excited to give you an overview of the upcoming weekly Reaching Hurting Women columns for 2020.  We’ll be continuing our magazine format with a different topic each Friday of the month as follows:

1st Friday: The Lord’s Prayer 

The first Friday of each month we will be studying The Lord’s Prayer. We’re breaking down this beloved prayer one phrase at a time and applying it to our life today.

2nd Friday: The Spiritual Disciplines 

On the second Friday of each month we’ll be studying The Spiritual Disciplines. We will be learning about and putting into practice twelve of may favorite spiritual disciplines.

3rd Friday: Colossians 3 

This particular section of Scripture is my favorite chapter in the Bible. It has so much richness that can provide transformation for anyone’s life. On the third Friday of the month we’ll break it down by sections to find fresh application for us all.

4th Friday: The Red Sea Rules Study 

In November of 2019 I reviewed a wonderful book that I’ve been reading over the last several months during my weekend devotion times. For the fourth Friday each month we will learn how the God who led us in will also lead us out. 

5th Friday: Music Reviews 

This year the months of January, May, July and October each have five Fridays. I’m excited to branch out with a new format and bring you reviews on music that has been especially important and touching in my life. 

I’m looking forward to a wonderful year of study and writing. I hope you will join me and bring along a friend when you can.

May the grace and peace of Christ be with you in this coming year and always…

Tamara

Posted on

THE ETERNAL UNSEEN

The third Friday of each month in 2019 we’ve been studying my favorite life verses: 2 Corinthians 4:15-18. For many challenging years this section of Scripture continues to be a consistent source of faith and comfort for me.

For the final column in this series I’ve broken from my traditional format by inserting several instrumental music videos to accent the message and to help us contemplate the eternal things of God. The videos are from Bethel Music’s most recent instrumental album: Genesis. These songs beautifully represent God’s creation in a musical video art form. I hope you enjoy it! Blessings…

“All this is for your benefit, so that the grace that is reaching more and more people may cause thanksgiving to overflow to the glory of God.”

Everything we experience in life benefits us in some way in the eternal scheme of things. As we keep a grateful attitude our life becomes a light to show others God’s grace and love. When those around us see the goodness of God, thanksgiving and praise will bring God the glory He deserves.

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.”

Even though our outer body slowly decays in this earthly atmosphere with age or sickness we can trust that our inner spirit is growing stronger and stronger each day to God’s glory.

“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”

The troubles of this present moment are fleeting but they serve a purpose. They are preparing us for the glory which is to come in Heaven with God.

“So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”  ~ 2 Corinthians 4:15-18

As we press through our challenges, trials or sickness, we must be determined to keep our eyes not on the things of this world, but rather on the unseen eternal things of God. That is where our Living Hope comes from…