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’ll look 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 HUMILITY
REQUIREMENT: humility
RESULT: honor
The fear of the Lord teaches wisdom; humility precedes honor. ~ Proverbs 15:33
We came to believe that a Power greater than ourselves could restore us to sanity. ~ Step Two
“God asks us to give up on our self-engineered crashes, admit that only He can restore us to sanity, and lay ourselves at His feet.” ~ The Twelve Laws of Life Recovery
Powerlessness Leads to Humility
Having worked through Step One and its requirement of powerlessness, we’re in a better place to humble ourselves before God than when we were at the peek of our self-sufficiency and pride. To move forward in true humility requires us to look within and search for the root of our selfish motives.
When our self-delusions crumble we will see that God is the source of all things good in our lives. As we grow in the Lord and humility we begin to embrace our own successes. We’re able to look past our own pain and begin to recognize others around us.
Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up. ~ James 4:10
“Choosing humility and recognizing our powerlessness are what it takes to stop all of our anti-recovery acts of futility. When we are able to truly humble ourselves before God, life starts to work again.” ~ The Twelve Laws of Life Recovery
Graced With Honor
In obeying the Life Recovery Step Two law of humility we are graced by God with the result of being honored in some way. It may not look like what we might expect. But God always honors those who humbly obey Him.
Honored With Freedom
As we walk in humility with God, He gives us the courage, strength and wisdom we need to grow through each step of our journey. By the grace of God our worst is turned into His best. We’re able to honor in Him, live a life of freedom God intends for us and bring glory to His name.
Contemplate walking in humility with the Lord as you watch this beautiful music video. 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 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 Two.
I refuse to be ashamed of the wonderful message of God’s liberating power unleashed in us through Christ! For I am thrilled to preach that everyone who believes is saved—the Jew first, and then people everywhere! ~ Romans 1:16 (TPT)
What is Salvation?
Salvation is everything that Jesus bought for us through His death, burial and resurrection. Grace brings the power of God to prosper, deliver from sin and heal everyone who has been born again.
And the prayer of faith will heal the sick and the Lord will raise them up, and if they have committed sins they will be forgiven. ~ James 5:15
What does Satan do?
Satan’s biggest weapon is deception. He wants us to believe that we have to earn God’s love by keeping the law and being more holy. The enemy wants us to operate in fear rather than faith in God’s love. We should focus on the goodness of God which draws hearts to change.
God has been very kind to you, and he has been patient with you. God has been waiting for you to change. But you think nothing of his kindness. Perhaps you do not understand that God is kind to you so that you will change your hearts and lives. ~ Romans 2:4
Without Excuse
Scripture tells us that we each have the intuitive knowledge of God against living an ungodly life built within us. And if that isn’t enough we can look to all creation around us and see the wonder working power of God in our world.
For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. So they have no excuse for not knowing God. ~ Romans 1:20
Looking at all we’ve learned in this chapter from Grace: The Power of the Gospel we can truly say we are without excuse to know God!
Take some time to enjoy this excellent 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 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.
Then God spoke all these words saying: “I am the Lord your God, Who has brought you out of the land of Egypt and out of the house of bondage. You shall have no other gods before or besides Me.” ~ Exodus 20:1-3
THE PREAMBLE
“I am the Lord your God, Who has brought you out of the land of Egypt and out of the house of bondage.” ~ Exodus 20:2
The verse above is what Jewish teaching calls the first of ten statements. Whereas, Christian teaching considers it a preamble or introduction to the Ten Commandments. For the sake of our study, and to coincide with PragerU’s related video teaching which is attached at the bottom of this post, I’ve put the preamble and the first commandment together. In the preamble, God is introducing Himself to the children of Israel in terms which were very relevant to them. It’s also important to recognize that God introduced Himself to the people as their savior. He isn’t just some arbitrary god. He heard their cries for help. He cared for them personally and wanted them freed from the bondage of slavery.
THE TEN COMMANDMENTS TWO SEGMENTS
Commandments 1 – 4 relate to the relationship between us and God in heaven. They primarily deal with doctrine and teach us our responsibility to God; how to love and honor God.
Commandments 6 – 10 relate to relationships we have with people on earth. These deal with ethics; teaching us our responsibility to other people; how to respect and love them.
If you were going to draw the two segments as an image: a vertical line would represent commandments 1 – 4. And a horizontal line would represent commandments 6 – 10.
Together they form a cross. This brings to mind Jesus’ words:
“Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose.”(Matt 5:17)
In other words, when Jesus came He completed the true purpose and meaning of what the Law was all about. Later Jesus goes on to say:
“ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind.’ This is the first and most important command. And the second command is like the first: ‘Love your neighbor as you love yourself.’ All the law and the writings of the prophets depend on these two commands.” (Matt 22:37-40)
THE SUM OF ALL TEN COMMANDMENTS
By following the first four commandments we are loving the Lord our God with all our heart, soul and mind: The vertical line on the cross.
By following the sixth through the tenth commandments we are loving our neighbor as we love ourself: The horizontal line of the cross.
THE COVENANT
God is following the ancient form of making covenants or treaties; which the people at that time would have been familiar with. He is revealing His deity, power and care for the people by making a personal covenant with them. Every covenant prior to this was made between God and individuals: Adam, Noah and Abraham. In this covenant God is inviting the children of Israel into a formal relationship with Him. But this relationship has specific stipulations.
THE LAW
“You shall have no other gods before or besides Me.” ~ Exodus 20:3
When we liken our relationship with God to that of a married couple, it’s easier to grasp the concept of God being jealous. A husband or wife, in a healthy marriage, doesn’t want to share their spouse with another person. In the same way, God doesn’t want us to divide our affections which should only be directed to Him, not other gods.
In this first commandment, God is putting first things first; telling us that we must keep Him first above all. God may have enemies in this world. But He refuses to have rivals to Him in our lives. Because the Israelites had been living among the idol worshiping Egyptians for hundreds of years, they had grown indifferent in their relationship with the one true God. So it stands to reason that’s why God started His covenant with the children of Israel with this preamble and commandment.
THE LAW, GRACE AND FREEDOM
But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it. ~ James 1:25
It seems conflicting to say that the law sets us free. But by looking at ourselves through the reflecting mirror of the law and God’s Word we can recognize our sins that keep us from having a right relationship with God. While God’s Word brings us salvation and new life, it also requires that we be obedient to what it says. Because of the grace available to us through Jesus Christ we are now free from the control that sin once had on our lives.
We can obey God’s laws through the gift of grace and enjoy true freedom!
UPDATE YOUR MEMORY
Sadly, too many of us today have no idea what the Ten Commandments are, much less follow them seriously, or teach them to the children. As this study progresses, I encourage you to begin putting the Ten Commandments to memory. I have supplied you with a wonderful tool to help you. Please check out The Evidence Bible Memory Aid attached under the resource list below. It’s a very easy and effective way to memorize the Ten Commandments.
The memory aid for the first commandment below shows us the image of a first place ribbon, reminding us that God should be number one in our life!
Video Disclaimer: As mentioned in The Preamble section above, the Jewish teaching is a little different than what most Christians have been taught regarding the first and second commandments. This is reflected in the first and second PragerU videos I include in each commandment teaching.
However, the entire video series, like all things on PragerU, is excellent. I will be attaching one of PragerU’s Ten Commandment videos to each of our Ten Commandment lessons which post on the first Friday of each month in 2022. Enjoy!
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!”
As I shared in the RHW 2022 Preview I was contemplating the abounding lawlessness in our world when God pricked my heart with a reminder of the Ten Commandments. I then thought about how Jesus fulfilled that law and gave us the grace and freedom we believers can gratefully enjoy in our everyday lives. Immediately, I knew what I needed to focus on this year. And then this sentence came to me:
“Without God’s law and grace there is no opportunity for recovery from any addiction and therefore no true freedom!”
What To Expect
In the Law/Grace/Freedom study series we’re going to dive into all of these topics and how they relate to each other and to us as Christians. We will go through biblical history and look at the relationship humanity has had with them and what has resulted. I’m no theologian, just a simple woman seeking to obey God’s good and perfect will to the best of her ability. However, I believe, without any doubt, that God is leading me this year more than any year before. These core topics are critical to the body of Christ today.
Spirit Led Study
My traditional approach to writing an RHW study series is to prepare a solid outline far in advance and follow it for the entire year. This study will be very different. I have prepared a loose outline of what I want to learn myself in regards to these topics. Otherwise, it will be the Holy Spirit’s guidance as to how this study proceeds. Should be an exciting and very interesting study!
Contemplate how the Holy Spirit will guide us in this life-changing study as you enjoy this beautiful song by Hillsong Young & Free.
RESOURCES
Pathway to Freedom: How God’s Laws Guide Our Lives by Alistair Begg
The Doctrine of Law & Grace Unfolded by John Bunyan
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 in this study we’ll look at one of the twelve laws that will guide us toward a specific RESULT. THE RESULT will fill our lives with love, gratitude and serenity. This powerful study of GOD’S RECOVERY LAWS will take US to a level of freedom most of us haven’t yet experienced.
THE LAW OF POWERLESSNESS
REQUIREMENT: powerlessness
RESULT: strength
“The law of powerlessness says that, if you truly understand and acknowledge that you are powerless, you are about to be provided with real strength.” ~ The Twelve Laws of Life Recovery
But He answered me, “My grace is always more than enough for you,and my power finds its full expression through your weakness.” So I will celebrate my weaknesses, for when I’m weak I sense more deeply the mighty power of Christ living in me. ~ 2 Corinthians 12:9
WEAKNESS BECOMES STRENGTH
Even the foolishness of God is wiser than men. Even the weakness of God is stronger than men. ~ 1 Corinthians 1:25
“If you are feeling weaker than you have ever felt, you are right in the place where God does his very best work.” ~ The Twelve Laws of Life Recovery
The idea of powerlessness can be uncomfortable because it makes us feel like we are helpless or weak. God turns our areas of weakness into strength when we give them to Him. As we recognize that we don’t have any power over the weak areas of our life, we will find the gift of great strength from God.
IMPOSSIBLE BECOMES POSSIBLE
Jesus responded, “What appears humanly impossible is more than possible with God. For God can do what man cannot.” ~ Luke 18:27
“The more impossible something seems, the more possible it is with the strength of God empowering you.” ~ The Twelve Laws of Life Recovery
In God’s kingdom things are counterintuitive from the way of the world. The world tries to tell us that our powerlessness is hopeless; that it will never change, that we will always be this way. But God’s Word tells us what is impossible with humans is more than possible with God!
Does your life seem hopeless?
Do you have an impossible circumstance to overcome?
Are you feeling powerless in some area today?
Then I have good news for you! God has been waiting for you to come to the end of yourself and call upon Him. He is inviting you to admit and accept that powerlessness. Confess your weaknesses to God. Let Him strengthen you as you reach out to Him.
Contemplate how your powerlessness could result in strength and allow God’s mighty power to come into your life today!
We admitted we were powerless over our problems and that our lives had become unmanageable. ~ Step One
As you contemplate what God is revealing to you, I pray you’ll be blessed by this perfect song for today by The Response.
RESOURCES:
THE TWELVE LAWS OF LIFE RECOVERY: God’s Wisdom and Guidance for Your Journey by Stephen Arterburn and David Stoop
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. Join me as we take a fresh look at some of the most important Scripture in the Bible. We will learn why we need to study, put to memory and obey them. We start today with our Introduction to The Ten Commandments Study. Enjoy…
With our world in an abounding state of lawlessness and immorality what better time to take a serious look at, what are widely considered to be, the best moral code for humanity. Over the next twelve months we will study each of the Ten Commandments individually in depth.
Rebellious People
The Lord God placed the man in the Garden of Eden to tend and watch over it. But the Lord God warned him, “You may freely eat the fruit of every tree in the garden—except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. If you eat its fruit, you are sure to die.” ~ Genesis 2:15-17
Worldly and Christian people alike are opposed to moral laws being imposed on their lives. Humanity from the beginning of time, rebelled against rules. Even Adam and Eve, with basically only one rule to follow, couldn’t keep it. Today’s modern culture tries to tell us what’s right or wrong. What in the past was always right is now being taught in schools and media to be wrong and vice versa. Without God as the Highest Source and Authority behind them The Ten Commandments would be powerless and subjective to individual beliefs.
The Father Knows Best
And the Lord our God commanded us to obey all these decrees and to fear him so he can continue to bless us and preserve our lives, as he has done to this day. ~ Deuteronomy 6:24
Without a set of rules to guide them, people will eventually perish. The sad and frustrating thing is we have been given the best moral code handwritten by the divine Creator of all humanity. If God created us, doesn’t He have the right to make the laws? Like a Good Father, God lovingly gave us ten basic and really simple rules to follow. If we all could just do that, our world would be a much happier and better place.
Why Study The Ten Commandments
Pay attention: I’m teaching you the rules and regulations that God commanded me, so that you may live by them in the land you are entering to take up ownership. Keep them. Practice them. You’ll become wise and understanding. When people hear and see what’s going on, they’ll say, “What a great nation! So wise, so understanding! We’ve never seen anything like it.” ~ Deuteronomy 4:5-6 (MSG)
There was a time in the early 20th Century when most people at least were aware of The Ten Commandments. They might not have been able to recite them from memory. But at least they knew the basics. Sadly, today the majority of people are completely ignorant when it comes to God’s Top Ten Rules for life. Most mainstream churches, even evangelical churches, shy away from teaching God’s Law. If we as Christians, and as a nation, want to see life change for the better, we must begin by going back to the basics. The Ten Commandments are central to not only New Testament ethics but for civilian ethics alike. The most important reason why we should study The Ten Commandments… God’s Law is good for us. We should want to know it!
Why Obey The Ten Commandments
Be strong and brave. Be sure to obey all the teachings my servant Moses gave you. If you follow them exactly, you will be successful in everything you do. ~ Joshua 1:7
It’s not only important that we study and learn The Ten Commandments, we need to put them into practice by obeying them in our everyday life. As Christians we are God’s people. And to be His people we must be set apart and follow His ways. When He gave the Israelites His Law, God was sharing His Father’s heart with us. He is telling us what is important to Him. We must honor that. Most importantly, God loves us and wants the best for us. We need to trust He know what is best and obey Him!
The Ten Commandments Can Turn Our Life Around
The Lord’s teachings are perfect. They give new strength. The Lord’s rules can be trusted. They make plain people wise. The Lord’s orders are right. They make people happy. The Lord’s commands are pure. They light up the way. It is good to respect the Lord. That respect will last forever. The Lord’s judgments are true. They are completely right. They are worth more than gold, even the purest gold. They are sweeter than honey, even the finest honey. They tell your servant what to do. Keeping them brings great reward. ~ Psalm 19:7-11
In essence, by following The Ten Commandments, one can almost be guaranteed an enjoyable life. If we as a human race would but embrace, put to memory and walk out these basic life rules our individual, family, and work life; local, national and international communities; would all be so much more productive and happy.
Join me over the next year as we dig in and study each of The Ten Commandments. We will learn how to easily put them to memory and apply them to our daily lives so we can be happy and healthy citizens of our world!
Take a few minutes and enjoy this excellent teaching from Dennis Prager on The Ten Commandments.
RESOURCES:
The Evidence Bible
The Thompson Chain Reference 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
I’m super excited and motivated about the 2022 theme and topics of study! I believe the focus God has put on my heart for the upcoming year is very timely and will benefit many of us.
The Reaching Hurting Women Ministry continues to offer four themes for contemplation each month. The yearly themes and weekly topics focus on what God is teaching me in my personal walk with Him as well as my current life recovery work and journey. It’s my hope and prayer along the way that my columns will help other women who may be struggling in their journey as well.
A few months ago, I was contemplating the lawlessness abounding in our world when God pricked my heart with a reminder of the 10 Commandments. I thought about how Jesus fulfilled that law and the grace we as believers enjoy and the freedom it brings to us in our everyday lives. Then this sentence came to me:
Without God’s law and grace there is no opportunity for recovery from any addiction and therefore no true freedom!
Immediately I knew what I needed to focus on for the upcoming year.
Here is a preview of the RHW 2022 theme and what to expect each month:
GOD’S LAW, GRACE AND FREEDOM
1st Friday of Each Month:The Ten Commandments Study
In The Ten Commandments Study we are going to take a deep dive into the study of God’s law as given to Moses in the book of Exodus. We will learn why The Ten Commandments are as important today as they were when God gave them thousands of years ago. We will discuss why we should not only study them, but know and follow them to make a better, safer and happier society.
2nd Friday of Each Month:BOOK STUDY: Grace: The Power of the Gospel by Andrew Wommack
In our book study this year, we are going through, what I believe will be, a life changing study for myself and those who join. Andrew Wommack is a powerful and anointed teacher of God’s Word and his book Grace: The Power of the Gospel looks to be amazing. It is a deep study of the first eight chapters of the New Testament book of Romans which was written by the Apostle Paul. This is going to be really good!
3rd Friday of Each Month:The Twelve Laws of Life Recovery with Stephen Arterburn
For my addiction recovery work in 2022, I’m going through The Twelve Laws of Life Recovery by Stephen Arterburn and David Stoop. I’ve been using the Life Recovery Bible and their excellent spin-off books since 2005. In this study we will learn how each of the laws of recovery has a requirement and produces a reliable outcome. I hope you will join me in this study. I believe this book is going to be a game changer for my recovery journey.
4th Friday of Each Month:God’s Law, Grace and Our Freedom
Just like there are laws of physics that govern the universe and the planet, and laws of nature that govern the plant and animal kingdoms, there are biblical laws given by God that govern the human race. In this study we are going to look at the history of humanity from the Bible and see how God’s laws, man’s acceptance or rebellion of those laws impacted life. We will see how God’s law and the grace that has come to us through Christ are connected. And how God’s law and grace brings us the true freedom we are all looking for. It’s going to be powerful.
5th Friday Months:Reviews
Over the years in months with five Fridays I’ve reviewed many books. Two years ago I began reviewing inspirational Christian music. And last year I found some great movies to add to my review mix. I’m excited to see what God will put in my path this year that I can share with you in my Review column.
I’m super excited and honestly more motivated for this upcoming year that I have been in a long time. I believe God is going to do some amazing things not only in my own life, but in the lives of the women who join me on this journey. I’m looking forward to a wonderful year in the Lord together. Join me and bring along a friend!
Contemplate the freedom offered by Christ with this Hillsong Worship video below. I pray God’s many blessings upon you and your family for this coming year and always… Tamara
REACHING HURTING WOMEN MINISTRIES OFFERS FOUR THEMES FOR CONTEMPLATION EVERY MONTH OF THE YEAR.
EACH OF THE FOUR POWER-PACKED THEMES ARE A 12-MONTH STUDY SERIES ASSIGNED TO A SPECIFIC FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH. IN MONTHS WITH FIVE FRIDAYS I’LL BE REVIEWING TOUCHING INSPIRATIONAL MUSIC.
On the fourth Friday of each month in 2021 we’re studying Joyce Meyer’s newest book: Do It Afraid. We’re learning how to understand fear, to recognize how it works in our life and finally how to confront fear. We will learn new mindsets that position us for freedom from our most common fears.
Today we wrap up our Do It Afraid Book Study by reviewing Mamma Joyce’s chapters on Confronting Fear.
Take One Step at a Time
The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. ~ Psalm 37:23
“Anything you do in obedience to God is something you never have to do alone.”~ Joyce Meyer
One of the best ways to overcome anything is to take it one step at a time. Scripture tells us that God’s mercies are new every morning. With that we know He is trying to teach us to trust Him as we go on our journey each day. Every journey starts with the first step. All God asks us to do is to take that first step with faith that He will be with us all the way.
Stand Up to Doubt
He said to them, ” Why are you troubled, and why do doubts rise in your minds?” ~ Luke 24:38
If we truly want to live free from fear, we must learn to live without doubt. ~ Joyce Meyer
Doubt is just fear by another name. It’s sneaky. It doesn’t show up in the same way but yet it is fear nonetheless. Doubt means uncertainty, perplexity, to be without a way. These all imply fearfulness. The key with doubt is to believe we are going to hear from God. Begin by surrendering our will to His and continue on our path in faith thanking God for His direction as we go.
Refuse to Regret the Past or Dread the Future
Let your eyes look straight ahead; fix your gaze directly before you. ~ Proverbs 4:25
“Don’t miss what God has for you today by living in regret. Today is an important day in your life. It is actually the most important day of your life, because right at this moment it is the only day you are assured of, so live it fully and trust God to take care of your past and your future.” ~ Joyce Meyer
It’s easy to live with regrets from our past and to dread the future. But if we do we are missing out on what God has for us today. Regrets are just rehearsing past mistakes over and over again that keeps us stuck in the past. Dread is much the same except we are worried about what may or may not happen in the future. And when we get there we will probably have a bad attitude and not enjoy it either. If you struggle with these areas, ask God to help you and He will.
Take Courage and Be Strong
Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid. ~ Joshua 1:9
“Don’t just pray for fear to go away. Instead pray for God to fill you with boldness, courage, and confidence.” ~ Joyce Meyer
It’s important that we manage our thought life. If we are focusing on our fears they will control us. We can instead, choose to focus on being courageous rather than what we are afraid of. Keep a confession of God’s Word in your heart, mind and words. Don’t think about what can go wrong. Thank God for His direction, strength and courage. Remember, courage is always stronger than fear.
Learn to Be Secure and Confident
Now faith brings our hopes into reality and becomes the foundation needed to acquire the things we long for. It is all the evidence required to prove what is still unseen. ~ Hebrews 11:1
“The more you use your faith, the stronger it will become. Faith is confidence in God… when you have faith that something will take place, you have it in your heart first (you believe), and then you will have it in reality in God’s perfect timing.” ~ Joyce Meyer
Ask God for what you want. Scripture says He wants to give us the desires of our hearts. And God cannot lie. But we must have faith to ask and believe for the things we want, not just for the things we need. Every time we have a prayer answered our confidence grows.
As we watch God work in our life we will gradually become more secure in our faith. We will be able to courageously take one step at a time; to stop doubting our decisions; refuse to regret our past and to not dread the future. We will stand strong, confront our fears and show the devil how big our God is!
Be blessed with this message on Confrontation by Mama Joyce!
REACHING HURTING WOMEN MINISTRIES OFFERS FOUR THEMES FOR CONTEMPLATION EVERY MONTH OF THE YEAR.
EACH OF THE FOUR POWER-PACKED THEMES ARE A 12-MONTH STUDY SERIES ASSIGNED TO A SPECIFIC FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH. IN MONTHS WITH FIVE FRIDAYS I’LL BE REVIEWING TOUCHING INSPIRATIONAL MUSIC.
On the second Friday of each month in 2021 we’ve been studying about the Holy Spirit. We’ve learned who the Holy Spirit is, about His gifts and fruit that are given to believers and how we walk those out in our life each day. Join me today as we review what we’ve learned and wrap up The Holy Spirit Study series.
The Holy Spirit as Third Person in the Trinity
As the third person of the Holy Trinity the Holy Spirit was involved in creation with God the Father and Jesus Christ, the Son. He fully possesses all the divine attributes of God, gave life to God’s creatures and gives spiritual life to us. The Holy Spirit has great power, performs miracles and raised Christ from the dead. He is everywhere and all powerful; eternal with no beginning or end. He dwells in Heaven with the Father and Christ, yet in the heart of every believer here on earth.
The Holy Spirit’s Work in the Church
The Holy Spirit is the church’s greatest partner in evangelizing the world for Christ. He convicts hearts of sin, testifies of Christ, intercedes on our behalf and comforts in times of need. He directs decisions of the church, chooses and sends out missionaries and directs the missionary enterprises.
The Holy Spirit’s Work in Believers
The Holy Spirit draws us into fellowship. He teaches us about Christ, convicts us of sin, enables us to find the truth, reveals God’s secrets and shows us God’s love. He helps us live the Christian life, prays for us in times of crisis, gives us His sword to fight Satan and even raises the dead. The Holy Spirit encourages us, gives us the power to witness and then teaches us what to say. He sanctifies our lives, gives us the gifts of the Spirit and works His fruit in us.
The Spirit gives to one the gift of the word of wisdom. To another, the same Spirit gives the gift of the word of revelation knowledge. And to another, the same Spirit gives the gift of faith. And to another, the same Spirit gives gifts of healing. And to another the power to work miracles. And to another the gift of prophecy. And to another the gift to discern what the Spirit is speaking. And to another the gift of speaking different kinds of tongues. And to another the gift of interpretation of tongues. Remember, it is the same Holy Spirit who distributes, activates, and operates these different gifts as he chooses for each believer. ~ 1 Corinthians 12:8-10
Gifts of the Spirit are divinely anointed abilities graced on individual believers for the benefit of the church community. They are chosen by the Godhead for us. We don’t get to choose our spiritual gifts. We can’t wake up one day and decide we’re going to be a prophet or give words of knowledge. Spiritual gifts are given by God as the Father sees fit to whom He chooses. Most of us exhibit a mix of gifts. Few of us are completely represent only one. Attributes of different gifts present themselves in varying degrees in each of us. While there is usually one gift that dominates.
But the fruit produced by the Holy Spirit within you is divine love in all its varied expressions: joy that overflows, peace that subdues, patience that endures, kindness in action, a life full of virtue, faith that prevails, gentleness of heart, and strength of spirit. Never set the law above these qualities, for they are meant to be limitless. ~ Galatians 5:22
Fruit of the Holy Spirit is completely different in the sense that they aren’t chosen by God for us specifically. Rather, every born again believer has access to the fruit of the spirit.Whether we walk in, or exercise, this fruit is up to us. As Jesus said, “A tree is known by its fruit.” The branch that is connected to the tree will bear the fruit of the tree it is connected to. A branch can’t choose the type of fruit it will bear. And it won’t bear fruit unless it stays connected to its source. Therefore, although we have full access through the Holy Spirit to all His fruit, unless we stay connected to Him consistently the fruit we bear may be rotten.
Over the last several months we’ve been studying the gifts and the fruit of the Holy Spirit. I hope if you missed any of the studies, you will take some time to go back and look at these various attributes of the Holy Spirit. I believe it is a study that will be worth your time.
Be blessed by this beautiful song with Bryan and Katie Torwalt.
REACHING HURTING WOMEN MINISTRIES OFFERS FOUR THEMES FOR STUDY AND CONTEMPLATION EVERY MONTH OF THE YEAR.
EACH OF THE FOUR POWER-PACKED THEMES ARE A 12-MONTH STUDY SERIES ASSIGNED TO A SPECIFIC FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH. IN MONTHS WITH FIVE FRIDAYS I’LL BE REVIEWING TOUCHING INSPIRATIONAL MUSIC.
On the first Friday of each month in 2021 we will be studying Psalm 91. We’ll be learning this powerful psalm and applying its phenomenal promises to our life one phrase at a time. We complete our study series today with verse 16.
I will reward them with a long life and give them my salvation.~ Psalm 91:16
This final verse may possibly be the most important verse of Psalm 91. In essence it wraps up the entire theme and purpose of this chapter. If after studying this powerful Psalm you still doubt that God loves you and wants a good life for you, this verse will be the answer you are looking for. However, it’s up to us to take God at His Word and receive His promises as our very own!
CHECK WHERE YOUR FOCUS IS
The challenge comes in our day-to-day living. As human beings we become easily distracted by the world situations, financial difficulties, health problems, relationship issues and on the list could go. Even in the midst of all that, God is with us and for us. Instead of keeping our eyes on the world level we must bring our faith focus up to God’s level. Look to God. Look to His promises. That is how they will be revealed and manifested in our reality.
I came so they can have real and eternal life, more and better life than they ever dreamed.~ John 10:10
WORSHIP THE LORD IN THE BEAUTY OF HIS HOLINESS
The book of Psalms is basically a hymn book. These poems were written to be sung in worship to the Lord. There is power in our worship. When we worship the Lord all our distractions and fears fall away.When we worship God we open ourselves up to the guidance of the Holy Spirit. We put ourselves in a place of perfect love, power, grace and protection.
My soul trusts in You; and in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge, until these calamities have passed by. ~ Psalm 57:1
In these uncertain times, when fear tries to sway your faith, look to God’s promises of protection. Stay intimately close to your Lord and Savior. He wants to be involved in your daily life. The more we depend on Him, the more we will see Him lead us and protect us.
When we fill our mind, heart and mouth with God’s promises it will become easier to live confidently without fear. We must turn to our Holy Refuge. When we do, we will see miracles play out in our lives.
Be blessed as you soak in Zoe Music’s song about our Holy Refuge.
