Category: Spiritual Growth

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LAW / GRACE/ FREEDOM :: The Prophets

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.

RESOURCES:

ESV Study Bible

NLT Parallel Study Bible

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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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BOOK STUDY || GRACE: The Power of the Gospel | Whose Servant Are You?

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!

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THE TEN COMMANDMENTS STUDY | Honor Human Life

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: Genesis by 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

The Evidence Bible: Ten Commandments Memory Aid

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LAW / GRACE/ FREEDOM :: The Kings

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.

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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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BOOK STUDY || GRACE: The Power of the Gospel | Living Holy

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 six and seven.

The Gospel is the good new that our right standing with God is not based on our performance but rather on God’s grace. The Law was brought about to show us how much we need our Savior Jesus Christ. Salvation isn’t just about forgiveness of sins when we are born-again. Salvation also includes other things that were purchased by Jesus on the Cross: our healing, prosperity and deliverance.

Chapter 6: WHY LIVE HOLY

So do you think that we should continue sinning so that God will give us more and more grace? No! We died to our old sinful lives. So how can we continue living with sin?  ~ Romans 6:1-2

As born-again believers we live a holy life because:
    1. After we have Christ in our heart it’s our nature to live a holy life.
    2. Living a holy life prevents the devil from having open doors into our life.
    3. Living a holy life is a result of having a right relationship with God.
    4. Living a holy life helps us know the Word more and correct our attitudes.
CHAPTER 7: DEAD TO SIN

Did you forget that all of us became part of Christ when we were baptized? We shared his death in our baptism. So when we were baptized, we were buried with Christ and shared his death. We were buried with him so that we could live a new life, just as Christ was raised from death by the wonderful power of the Father. Christ died, and we have been joined with Christ by dying too. So we will also be joined with him by rising from death as he did. We know that our old life died with Christ on the cross. This was so that our sinful selves would have no power over us, and we would not be slaves to sin. Anyone who has died is made free from sin’s control. ~ Romans 6:3-6

Because of what Christ has done for us we can live free from sin.
    1. It’s important that we remember the Apostle Paul was talking about our sin nature not individual actions of sin in our daily life.
    2. Through Adam the sin nature entered humanity.
    3. God took the root of our sin nature and dealt with through Christ on the Cross.
    4. Through Christ, we are dead with Him to our sin nature.
    5. Through Christ, we are alive also in His resurrection.

Praise God I have been freed from the domination of a sinful lifestyle because of what Jesus Christ has done for me!

Be blessed with Andrew Wommack’s teaching video that focuses on much of what we have covered today.

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THE TEN COMMANDMENTS STUDY | Honor Your Parents

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 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.

Regard (treat with honor, due obedience, and courtesy) your father and mother, that your days may be long in the land the Lord your God gives you. ~ Exodus 20:12 (AMPC)

HONOR: to revere; to respect; to treat with deference and submission and perform relative duties to. ~ Noah Webster 1828 Dictionary

GOD’S FAMILY PLAN

From the beginning God had a plan for His People. He designed a family to have two parents: a man and a woman. Together, with God’s blessing to be fruitful and multiply, they would create the human race.  The responsibility of the children fell to the parents. The responsibility of the children was to obediently submit to the authority of their parents.

It’s no secret in today’s world, the destruction of many nations began with the breakdown of the family.  With Biblical values declining in our schools and homes and out of control divorce rates, the majority of children no longer have both parental figures in their lives. The concept of honoring anyone, much less your parents is almost unheard of. And we wonder why our world is in the state it is.

“As the family goes, so goes the nation, and so goes the whole world in which we live.”~ Pope St. John Paul II

THE PROMISED REWARD

The fifth commandment teaches us that God designed our parents to be honored and obeyed in the same way that we would honor and obey God, our heavenly Father.  But this commandment is about more than just how we treat our parents. It flows to all areas of community life. When a child knows how to honor their parents, they will be able to respect others in authority as well: teachers, police and other officials.

While this commandment has often been taught as the only one with a promise. I would agree with Dennis Prager in the video below and Alistair Begg who wrote that the fifth commandment is given as a promise not just to individuals but to a society in general.

“So the principle in the promise is this: children who are taught to obey God by honoring their parents will grow up to be responsible citizens, and responsible citizens make for a strong nation, which in turns helps to provide a context in which life can flourish.” ~ Alistair Begg

NEVER TOO LATE TO OBEY GOD

There are many who would say our world is a lost cause, that it’s too late to teach these principles to make serious changes. However, scripture teaches us God will keep all His promises. I believe with the Holy Spirit’s power backing up our obedience, God will honor that obedience and keep His promises to achieve what He desired them to accomplish.

My word, which comes from my mouth, is like the rain and snow.
It will not come back to me without results.
It will accomplish whatever I want
and achieve whatever I send it to do.”  ~  Isaiah 55:11

The prophet Isaiah made it clear that when God spoke a Word it would not return to God until it had accomplished the purpose He sent it to achieve. This assures us that even the fifth commandment’s promised reward has the same backing. God’s Word always finishes what He calls it to finish to the glory of His Name.

UPDATE YOUR MEMORY

Our memory aid for the Fifth Commandment shows us the image of two loving parents in the shape of a 5. This is a good reminder for us to honor, obey, respect and be courteous to the people who gave us life.

Take a few minutes and glean wisdom from Dennis Prager’s teaching on The Fifth Commandment. Be blessed!

RESOURCES:

The Evidence Bible

Thompson Chain Reference Bible

New Living Parallel Study Bible*

Spirit-Filled Life Bible

The Rational Bible: Genesis by 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

The Evidence Bible: Ten Commandments Memory Aid

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LAW / GRACE/ FREEDOM :: The Judges

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!”

LAW

The angel of the Lord went up from Gilgal to Bokim. He spoke to the people of Israel there and said: “I brought you up from Egypt. I led you to the land I promised to give to your ancestors. I said, ‘I will never break my agreement with you. But in return, you must not make an agreement with the people who live in this land. You must destroy their altars.’ But you did not obey me. How could you do this? Now I will tell you this: ‘I will not force out the people in this land. They will become your enemies. Their gods will become a trap for you.’” Judges 2:1-3

After Joshua and all the people who came from Egypt died off, God raised up political / religious leaders to guide the people in times of oppression from their enemies. The era of the judges highlights the core principles of God’s law brought by Moses:  Obedience brings peace and life. Disobedience brings oppression and death. These stories remind us God’s judgement for sin is sure to come. However, forgiveness of sins with restored relationship is equally as certain for those who turn to Him in true repentance.

REBELLION

The people of Israel served the Lord as long as Joshua was alive. They continued serving the Lord during the lifetimes of the elders who lived on after Joshua. These men had seen all the great things the Lord had done for Israel….  After those people had died, their children grew up. They did not know the Lord or what he had done for Israel. So they did evil and worshiped the Baal idols. They did what the Lord said was wrong. The Lord had brought the people of Israel out of Egypt. And the ancestors of these people had worshiped the Lord. But the Israelites quit following the Lord. They began to worship the gods of the people who lived around them. That made the Lord angry. The Israelites quit following the Lord and worshiped Baal and Ashtoreth. The Lord was angry with the people of Israel. So he let robbers attack them and take their possessions. He let their enemies who lived around them defeat them. They could not protect themselves from their enemies. When the Israelites went out to fight, they always lost. They lost because the Lord was not on their side. The Lord had sworn to them this would happen. So the Israelites suffered very much. ~ Judges 7; 10-15

This section of scripture shows us the cycle of sin, judgement and repentance that the people of Israel repeated over and over. This is the cycle all humanity repeats over and over again. As one godly generation dies off, the next generation either wasn’t taught the ways of God or they simply fail to follow God because the temptation of sin is so great. The responsibility lies on the family leaders. When one generation fails to teach the next generation how to follow God’s laws, the cycle of sin is sure to continue.

GRACE

Then the Lord chose leaders called judges. These leaders saved the people of Israel from the robbers. But the Israelites did not listen to their judges. They were not faithful to God. They followed other gods instead. In the past the people of Israel obeyed the Lord’s commands. But now the Israelites stopped obeying the Lord. Many times the enemies of Israel hurt the Israelites. So the Israelites would cry for help. And each time the Lord felt sorry for them. Each time he sent a judge to save them from their enemies. The Lord was with those judges. ~ Judges 2:16-18

Even in the face of all Israel’s consistent rebellion to God, He faithfully continued to deliver them from their oppressors. This deliverance wasn’t because of the repentance on Israel’s part, but of mercy and compassion from the heart of a loving Father.

FREEDOM

The judges, even with their flaws and weaknesses did save Israel from their enemies. But through it all the people of Israel continued to insist on having a king like other nations. They did need a king, but not the kind they thought. What they needed was The King, and Messiah, Jesus Christ who would bring true freedom from all the oppressors.

The most important lesson we can learn from the judges stories is that humanity is ingrained with a cyclical sinful nature. Unless we keep our focus on God’s Word and teach the younger generation God’s ways, humanity will consistently return to dark, evil ways.

The good news is our heavenly Father will always be there when we turn away from sin. When we call out to Him, He is faithful to deliver us from our enemies, even if that worst enemy is ourself. God will bring us to a place of freedom and victory over any bondage we may suffer from if we continue to follow Him.

Be blessed by this worship song with Jesus Culture.

 

Resources:

ESV Study Bible

Spirit-Filled Life Bible

NLT Parallel Study Bible

International Children’s Bible

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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!