Category: Spiritual Growth

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THE DO IT AFRAID BOOK STUDY :: BUILD HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS

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. Come along and let’s learn something new from Momma Joyce!
This is the tenth post in The Do It Afraid Book Study series.

FREEDOM FROM THE FEAR OF TRUSTING GOD AND OTHERS

You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. ~ Isaiah 26:3

Those of us who have been abused, hurt, abandoned or betrayed know all too well the difficulty of trusting God and people. Memories of our past pain can cause us to put up a wall of defense so high that we are unable to even enjoy our life.

Move your heart closer and closer to God, and he will come even closer to you. ~ James 4:8

When Jesus came to earth He had relationships with all kinds of people only because He first had a close relationship with His heavenly Father. Jesus wants us to have fear-free relationships with people on earth but we must start by developing  a healthy intimate relationship with God the Father first.

 

An intimate, trusting relationship with God is what sets us free from many tormenting fears and behavior patterns. ~ Joyce Meyer

Once we have a healthy intimate personal relationship with God we will no longer fear being hurt or taken advantage of. We can trust God to vindicate us when we are done wrong. We will no longer feel the need to constantly protect ourselves by withdrawing from or avoiding relationships. Our life will be less complicated and much more relaxing and enjoyable.

Be blessed by this teaching clip from Momma Joyce on Trusting God.

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THE HOLY SPIRIT :: Fruit of Faithfulness, Gentleness & Self-Control

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’re studying the Holy Spirit. We will learn who the Holy Spirit is, about His gifts and fruit given to us as believers and how to walk those out in our life each day. This is the tenth post in The Holy Spirit Study series.

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. ~ Galatians 5:22-23

All these character qualities are the virtues that Jesus Christ has and exhibits. By nature of being born-again into His body, the church, we are endowed by the power of the Holy Spirit to have these same qualities planted in seed form within our spirit. It’s then is up to us to mature the fruit seed, by spending time in God’s Word, in prayer and fellowship with the Father. Then the seed will grow into full fruit that bears the likeness of Christ to all who are in our presence.

  • FAITHFULNESS: the quality of steadfast loyalty or firm adherence to promises.

Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. ~ Proverbs 3:3

In the world faithfulness is a rare character trait. But as believers, who have the fruit of faithfulness flowing in our lives, we can be depended on to do what is right even when no one is watching us.

  • GENTLENESS: mildness of manners or disposition.

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ~ Philippians 4:5

When our heart has been softened by the Holy Spirit after we are born again we are able to be milder in our behavior and moods toward others, especially to those who are difficult.

  • SELF-CONTROL: restraint exercised over one’s own impulses, emotions or desires.

Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city. ~ Proverbs 16:32

Another rare trait in our world today is self-control. The ungodly person lives by whatever their flesh desires. By the power of the Holy Spirit working in our life, self-control helps us keep our physical nature under control so that the other fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness and gentleness can freely flow and witness the power of God to those around us.

These three character traits of Christ round off the fruit section of our Holy Spirit study. Next month we will focus on the gifts of administration and helps.

Be blessed by this great worship some by Elevation Worship on the faithfulness of God!