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THE HOLY SPIRIT STUDY :: GIFTS AND FRUIT

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 second column in The Holy Spirit Study series.

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 next several months we will be studying the gifts and the fruit of the Holy Spirit. We will alternate between the them starting in March with the gifts of the Holy Spirit. I hope you will come along with me on this deep dive into the various attributes of the Holy Spirit.

Take some time to worship God with this beautiful song by City Harvest Church.

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PSALM 91 :: MY REFUGE

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 continue today with verse two.

I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.” ~ Psalm 91:2

Many of us are in tough life situations today. What are you saying about the LORD in your situation? Are you blaming or praising? Are you saying the bad situation came from God? Or are you hopeful and secure despite the circumstances?

REFUGE: that which shelters or protects from danger, distress or calamity; a strong hold which protects by its strength, or a sanctuary which secures safety by its sacredness; any place inaccessible to an enemy.

If we truly believe and take God at His Word, then in times of difficulty, no matter how things look, we should feel secure and know that He is taking care of us.

It is written in the Scriptures, “I believed, so I spoke.” Our faith is like this, too. We believe, and so we speak. ~ 2 Corinthians 4:13

He’s our defender and protector in Him we can secure ourselves. We can lean on Him and rely in Him and always confidently trust Him. He is our place of safety and protection; the hope that holds us strong.

May our faith show up in the words and actions we take each day. Let’s speak these truths because God has spoken them to us.

Contemplate God as your Refuge with this beautiful chill song and creative video by the indie style worship band Rivers and Robots.

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MUSIC REVIEW :: RIVERS AND ROBOTS

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.
In every month with five Fridays I’m reviewing Christian worship music that has really inspired and touched me. Today’s post is the first Music Review for 2021.

Today I’d like to introduce you to a group I just discovered a few days ago. I’m always excited to find new Christian artists. Especially groups that have such a fresh sound like Rivers and Robots!

Rivers & Robots: An indie worship band from Manchester, UK started as Jonathan Ogden’s solo project designed to create a new sounds for worship. Since 2012 Jonathan’s project has grown into a four piece band with the aim to make Jesus known through creative worship music. The band’s name comes from the acoustic and electronic sounds they use in their recordings.

A breath of fresh air in the Christian music world.

Band members: Jonathan Ogden (Vocals, Guitar, Keyboard); Nathan Stirling (Bass, Vocals); Caleb Choo (Drums); and Philip Shibata (Guitar) have gone on mission trips and lead worship in festivals, clubs and churches around Europe and Asia. They also host monthly worship nights around Manchester. The band has formed an amazing non-profit organization, Set Sail, aiming to inspire, equip and encourage artists and creators.

Perfect contemplative soaking music for personal worship.

Music: Rivers and Robots music is produced primarily at home on the guitar, laptop and keyboard. Their fresh sound a nice change of pace from popular contemporary Christian worship of today. The indie music style has hints of chill wave and folk rock combined with ambient electronic sounds. The vocals are crisp and clean with incredible harmony. Most of their expressive lyrics are taken directly from Scripture. The moving content is faithful to God’s Word always sharing the good news of Jesus Christ’s gospel.

Relaxing yet powerful. It captivates my heart and soul.

Discovery: Rivers and Robots 6th album released September 2018. Intentionally designed from start to finish, this album is incredibly creative. Smooth, uplifting, inspiring, captivating, prayerful, stirring, aesthetic, laid back and anointed are just a few ways I would describe the stylish and gripping music of Discovery by Rivers and Robots. 

Uplifting worship music with beautifully touching lyrics.

Recap: Over the last few days I’ve watched many music videos from at least three of Rivers and Robots’ albums. Not to mention videos from their non-profit organization, Set Sail. Everything about their mission and music is stellar. The production quality and creativity from this young group is amazing. I highly encourage you to check them out and share with others. You will definitely be blessed!

Contemplate being with God forevermore as you soak in this beautifully created music video by Rivers and Robots.

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THE DO IT AFRAID BOOK STUDY :: UNDERSTANDING FEAR

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 how to confront fear. We will also learn new mindsets that will position us for freedom from our most common fears.  Come along and let’s learn something new from Momma Joyce! This is the first column in The Do It Afraid Book Study series.

In today’s post I summarize what I gleaned from the first eight chapters of Do It Afraid by Joyce Meyer which she has under the section titled Understanding Fear.

1. IT’S TIME TO MAKE A CHOICE

God has given us free choice for how we want to live our lives. We can choose blessings or curses. And we must remember that each choice will ultimately bring life or death. It’s up to us to make the right choice. God will not bless us if we are following the devil’s evil plan. It’s never too late to be obedient to God and choose faith, blessings and life!

Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live! ~ Deuteronomy 30:19

2. DO IT AFRAID

All through Scripture, God tells us, ” Fear not, for I am with you.” The reason we don’t have to be afraid is because God is with us. We must remember God is greater than any problem we’re facing today or will face tomorrow. God is for us and not against us. Knowing that He will never leave us or forsake us should give us the confidence to do whatever we must do even if we are afraid. We can trust God to take care of us in and through it!

Have I not told you? Be strong and have strength of heart! Do not be afraid or lose faith. For the Lord your God is with you anywhere you go. ~ Joshua 1:9

3. I WILL NOT FEAR

As believers, God is with us all the time. He is ever-present. For most of us that is a difficult concept to grasp. But we must remember that He is only a thought or prayer away. In times of fear or trouble we can call out to him. Take a few minutes and review your day. Look back and see where you know God showed up to help you. Let that give you confidence to go forward tomorrow even in the face of your fears. Give Him thanks and praise for that now!

I will not be afraid because the Lord is with me.
    People can’t do anything to me. ~ Psalm 118:6)

4. FEARFUL THOUGHTS AND WORDS

God and the devil both have plans for our life. Who we agree with and follow will be revealed by the thoughts, words and eventually actions that come from us. If we stay in God’s word our minds will be transformed and fearful imaginations will go away. Likewise our words and actions will be in agreement with what God wants for our lives.

Do not be shaped by this world. Instead be changed within by a new way of thinking. Then you will be able to decide what God wants for you. And you will be able to know what is good and pleasing to God and what is perfect. ~ Romans 12:2

5. I “FEEL” AFRAID

We must remember that fear is just a feeling. Feelings aren’t dependable. They come and go and can be good or bad. Don’t let your feelings run your life. Just because you are afraid or you don’t feel like doing something doesn’t mean you shouldn’t do it. The fear of something is usually bigger that what we are actually afraid of. Don’t give in to fear and allow it steal your life. Pray, take courage, go forward and do what is asked of you.

When I am afraid, I will trust in You. ~ Psalm 56:3

6. WHY AM I AFRAID

Whenever we feel afraid we must remember that God doesn’t give us the spirit of fear. That comes from Satan. Sometimes we disobey God and when we do that opens the door for the enemy. A reverential fear of God is the only right fear to have. This means we are honoring God and with that He will give us wisdom. God wants us to have peace and joy, not fear. Put your trust in Him today and be blessed!

Listen! I gave you power to walk on snakes and scorpions. I gave you more power than the Enemy has. Nothing will hurt you. ~ Luke 10:19

7. THE ANTIDOTE FOR FEAR

Above we learned that one reason we don’t have to be afraid is because God is with us. Another reason to not fear is because God loves us. The devil doesn’t want you to know how much God loves you because that will make you secure, confident and fearless.  The antidote for our fear is receiving the perfect love of God in our heart and life!

Where God’s love is, there is no fear, because God’s perfect love drives out fear. ~ 1 John 4:18

8. LIVING BOLDLY

Whatever God has asked you to do, no matter how difficult, or how little experience you think you may have, God is big enough to help you do it.  Don’t let the devil use fear to steal the blessings that God is trying to give you. Instead of asking ourselves if we can do it. We should be asking, “God can You do it?” Let’s trust God and allow Him to use us to bless others.

What appears humanly impossible is more than possible with God. For God can do what man cannot. ~ Luke 18:27

I pray you will take a few minutes and watch this short clip from Joyce Meyer’s teaching: Fear Is Not From God. Be blessed!

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THE TWELVE LIFE RECOVERY GIFTS :: HOPE

REACHING HURTING WOMEN MINISTRIES OFFERS FOUR THEMES FOR CONTEMPLATION EVERY MONTH OF THE YEAR.
EACH OF THE POWER-PACKED THEMES ARE A 12-MONTH STUDY SERIES ASSIGNED TO A SPECIFIC FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH BEGINNING IN JANUARY. IN MONTHS WITH FIVE FRIDAYS I’LL BE REVIEWING TOUCHING INSPIRATIONAL MUSIC. COME ALONG. LET’S LEARN SOME NEW THINGS TOGETHER!
On the third Friday of each month in 2021 we’re studying the Life Recovery Gifts. We’ll learn about the blessings God brings us to honor our choices and encourage our journey through the Twelve Steps of Life Recovery. This is the first column in the Life Recovery Gifts series.

For my recovery work this year I’m going through The Twelve Gifts of Life Recovery by Stephen Arterburn and David Stoop. Each month of 2021 I will be discussing what I have learned on my journey. Today we are learning about the gift of Hope.

HOPE: desire accompanied by expectation of or belief in fulfillment; believing that something good will happen.

Now may God, the inspiration and fountain of hope, fill you to overflowing with uncontainable joy and perfect peace as you trust in him. And may the power of the Holy Spirit continually surround your life with his super-abundance until you radiate with hope! ~ Romans 15:13

“The gift of hope is the motivation for our continuing on the same track when something is painful or difficult.” ~ The Twelve Gifts of Life Recovery

For those of us on the Life Recovery journey, it’s important that we stay connected to a support group and/or an accountability partner. If we don’t and then try to do life under our own power, our lives quickly become unmanageable and we set ourselves up for relapse.

We admitted that we were powerless over our problems–that our lives had become unmanageable.  ~ Step One (The Twelve Steps of Life Recovery)

When we stay close to our support system, be it a Bible study group or an accountability partner, we draw hope and courage to continue our journey. The  gift of hope is shared between each member as it inspires everyone to not give up.

Hope is a gift because it is something that is beyond our human power and abilities. It comes through God’s power which is founded in our relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

The gift of hope gives us motivation to press on when temptations arise, times become difficult and we don’t see anything happening in the natural.

Reach out to God today. Let Him put His super on your natural. Ask Him to fill you with His strength and transforming power that will give you the hope to carry you through!

Prayerfully listen to this classic hymn sung by David Crowder and Tauren Wells. You will be blessed!

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THE HOLY SPIRIT STUDY :: WHO IS THE HOLY SPIRIT?

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 fruits to us as believers and how to walk those out in our life each day.  This is the first column in The Holy Spirit Study series.

Who is the Holy Spirit?

Today we begin our study series on the Holy Spirit. Come along as we dive into one of the deepest subjects in all of Christianity. Probably the most misunderstood person of the Godhead; the Holy Spirit has existed since the beginning of time. He was with God the Father at Creation, caused Mary to conceive, was at the baptism of Jesus, and rested on the apostles like tongues of fire on the Day of Pentecost.

Let’s look at a several of the attributes and workings of the Holy Spirit in Scripture and in our lives.

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.

I’m an open book to you;
    even from a distance, you know what I’m thinking.
You know when I leave and when I get back;
    I’m never out of your sight.
You know everything I’m going to say
    before I start the first sentence.
I look behind me and you’re there,
    then up ahead and you’re there, too—
    your reassuring presence, coming and going.
This is too much, too wonderful—
    I can’t take it all in! ~ Psalm 139:1-6

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.

In one of the most fascinating verses in Scripture, before commissioning His apostles, Jesus appeared to them in a locked room…

Then, taking a deep breath, he blew on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. ~ John 20:22

Only those uniquely called in the Old Testament received the anointing of the Holy Spirit. But because of Jesus and the New Covenant every believer is given new life and the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit.

For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets.~ 1 Corinthians 2:10-11

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

 God, the searcher of the heart, knows fully our longings, yet he also understands the desires of the Spirit, because the Holy Spirit passionately pleads before God for us, his holy ones, in perfect harmony with God’s plan and our destiny. ~ Romans 8:27

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.

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. …Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. ~ Galatians 5:22-26

In the life of a believer, the Holy Spirit signifies God’s ownership. Because of the fruit we bear in our lives, the Holy Spirit is the proof of future blessings bringing us a taste of eternal life and power.

Who is the Holy Spirit?

As we have learned the Holy Spirit is a person who hears and speaks, experiences feelings of joy or grief. He counsels, encourages, testifies, teaches and prays. While He can be resisted, tested and angered, the Holy Spirit is all merciful, forgiving and loving.

In this post there is no way we can possibly uncover all there is to know about the Holy Spirit. Even after a lifetime of study and relationship with God, one would still be left wanting and needing to know more.

In my writing preparation I’ve come away with a greater understanding of the Holy Spirit. I pray you have as well. Next month we will learn about the gifts and fruit of the Spirit. See you then. Blessings…

Join me as we prayerfully sing with Bryan and Katie Torwalt:

“Holy Spirit–You are welcome here. Flood this place [and my heart] and fill this atmosphere.”

Photo Credit: gracel21

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PSALM 91 :: THE SECRET PLACE

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 begin today with verse one.

He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. ~ Psalm 91:1

DWELL

When we commit our life to God by accepting Jesus Christ as our Savior, we become hidden with Christ in the dwelling place with God the Most High. Here we have a special relationship, where we can live safely protected and secure. When we live from a place of rest and peace the blessings will flow.

The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe. ~ Proverbs 18:10

SECRET PLACE

This secret place isn’t actually a secret. Nor is it just for the special few. The secret place is for all who humbly come to Christ… young and old, rich and poor. All are welcome. Dwelling in the secret place allows us to live our life free from fear, in a peaceful rest knowing that God is taking care of everything as we cast our cares on Him.

For you are my hiding place; you protect me from trouble. You surround me with songs of victory. ~ Psalm 32:7

THE SHADOW OF THE ALMIGHTY

Being in the shadow of the Almighty shows how close God is to us. We are so close that His shadow covers and protects us. This closeness represents a spiritually intimate relationship with God our Father.

When we make time to be in God’s presence — pray, worship, and grow in our relationship by reading The Word — we will stay close to our Heavenly Father, safe in His protective shadow.

I pray you are blessed by Victory Boyd’s beautiful rendition of Psalm 91.

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RHW 2021 PREVIEW

In 2021 Reaching Hurting Women continues our magazine format which offers four different themes for study and contemplation every month for the year. Each of the four power-packed themes will be a 12 month series assigned to a specific Friday of every month. In months with five Fridays we’ll be offering a special column reviewing touching inspirational music.

Happy New Year! I’m so excited to give you an overview of the upcoming weekly Reaching Hurting Women columns for 2021.  We’ll be continuing our magazine format which offers four powerful themes for study each Friday of the month. The schedule will be as follows:

1st Friday of Each Month: Psalm 91 

The first Friday of each month we will be studying Psalm 91. We’ll be breaking down this powerful psalm one phrase at a time and applying its phenomenal protection promises to our life today.

2nd Friday of Each Month: The Holy Spirit

On the second Friday of each month we’ll be going through an in-depth study of The Holy Spirit. We will be learning about who The Holy Spirit is, what are the gifts and fruits of the Spirit and how we can walk them out in our daily life.

3rd Friday of Each Month: Life Recovery Gifts

Continuing our ongoing recovery work, this year we’ll be studying the 12 Gifts of Life Recovery. We will learn about the hidden blessings that come as an added benefit with our journey into wholeness and health.

4th Friday of Each Month: The Do It Afraid Book Study 

Our book study for 2021 is Do It Afraid: Embracing Courage in the Face of Fear by Joyce Meyer. We will learn how to understand fear, recognize how it works in our life, confront the fears that hold us back and achieve lasting freedom from those fears. Join me as we dig into Joyce’s awesome and timely released new book.

5th Friday Months: Music Reviews 

I’m really happy to be continuing the special column that I premiered in 2020. On the last Friday in each of the months that have five Fridays (January, April, July, October and December) I’ll be bringing you reviews of Christian music that has particularly touched my heart and spirit.

I’m so looking forward to a wonderful year of writing and study together in the Lord. I hope you’ll join me and bring along a friend when you can.

I pray God’s many Blessings upon you and your family for this coming year and always… Tamara

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THE RED SEA RULES STUDY :: WRAP-UP

Today’s column is being released on Christmas day 2020. I pray God’s richest blessings on you and your family!

AT RHW WE PUBLISH A NEW COLUMN EACH FRIDAY. WE’RE GOING THROUGH FOUR SPECIFIC STUDIES WITH EACH SERIES BEING PUBLISHED ON A DESIGNATED FRIDAY OF THE MONTH. TODAY’S COLUMN IS THE LAST IN THIS SERIES.

In 2020 we’ve been going through a wonderful book: THE RED SEA RULES. Today we’ll wrap up our series by reviewing what we’ve learned from Robert J. Morgan’s 10 God-Given Strategies for Difficult Times. Below you’ll find snippets from each month with links to that specific column.

 

January: INTRODUCTION

In 2019, a dear friend introduced me to Robert J. Morgan’s lovely little book The Red Sea Rules. Upon reading it, I did a book review in November of that year. Shortly thereafter, when planning my column topics for 2020, I decided that this wonderful book would be perfect to write a study series on. Below you will find snippets from each of the monthly column studies we have gone through this year.

February: RULE 1: GOD MEANS FOR YOU TO BE WHERE YOU ARE

It’s easy to get bogged down in worry and wonder why we are in the situation we are in today. In times like these it’s important 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.

March: RULE 2: BE MORE CONCERNED FOR GOD’S GLORY THAN FOR YOUR RELIEF

If we can see our difficulties as an opportunity for God’s grace to shine on our behalf we will maintain a more balanced perspective and give God more glory in the middle of our struggles. Today instead of asking God to get me out of the mess I’m in, I’ll ask God how can I bring glory to His name in the middle of my mess.

April: RULE 3: ACKNOWLEDGE YOUR ENEMY BUT KEEP YOUR EYES ON THE LORD

We can’t foolishly live as easy prey for Satan. We must be always on our  guard. To prevent ourselves from succumbing to the enemy’s attacks we must humbly submit and draw near to God. As we humble ourselves before God He will lift us up. Even in times of confusion, when we feel blocked by a seemly dead end, God will protect us. He provide an escape just in time!

May: RULE 4: PRAY

Don’t waste a moment. In times of crisis we must call upon the Lord immediately.  When you pray be honest with God about your needs. After all He knows them already. Then trust that God has heard your prayer and will answer in His perfect way and time.

June: RULE 5: STAY CALM AND CONFIDENT, AND GIVE GOD TIME TO WORK

Cornered by the Egyptian army at the edge of the Red Sea, the Israelites faced impossible odds. We must remember God doesn’t show favoritism. Meaning that I am just as important to God as the Israelites were. My impossible situation is just as important to God. Just like the Red Sea opened up for the Israelites, my impossible situation can be solved by God. It’s up to me to stay calm, confident in whom I trust, and wait for God to work the solution out in HIS timing.

July: RULE 6: WHEN UNSURE, JUST TAKE THE NEXT LOGICAL STEP BY FAITH

Whether it’s good things coming or bad, God protects us from knowing too much in our future. If we knew bad things were coming tomorrow, we might give up on God altogether and go down in a tailspin of anxiety and depression. If we knew good things were coming tomorrow we would become prideful and might decide we don’t need God’s help at all. God wants us to faithfully depend on Him every minute of every day. Looking for His perfect Light to shine on our path for guidance and listening for His gentle whisper for direction.

August: RULE 7: ENVISION GOD’S ENVELOPING PRESENCE

The pillar of fire and cloud that followed the Israelites through the wilderness was later seen as a cloud of glory in Solomon’s temple and again in the Upper Room on the day of Pentecost. This same Presence resides every moment within all Christians. It’s important to remind ourselves the Lord’s Presence is with us. We can practice the Presence of God daily by: affirming God’s nearness in our hearts; visualizing God’s Presence in our mind; accessing God’s nearness through prayer and finally reflecting God’s Presence in our behavior.

September: RULE 8: TRUST GOD TO DELIVER IN HIS OWN UNIQUE WAY

Just like we need to see all of life from God’s perspective, we must try to see our deliverance from His perspective. God designs each deliverance to each individual trial or trouble. Whether God delivers us in a miraculous way or not, every intervention He makes in our lives will make us better to serve in His kingdom now or for eternity. Today we need to trust His plan for us and know it’s going to be for our good and for His glory!

October: RULE 9: VIEW YOUR CURRENT CRISIS AS A FAITH BUILDER FOR THE FUTURE

The unknowability of the future can be a fearful thing. However, it’s important that  we remember God allows everything we experience to grow and build our faith as we trust in Him. As we surrender our life, God will soften our heart and shape our future to be the best that He has designed for us. Let God take over your life and your soul. With Him in control everything will work in your favor when it’s all said and done.

November: RULE 10: DON’T FORGET TO PRAISE HIM

After a long dark night the nation of liberated slaves had miraculously been saved from Pharaoh’s mighty army. Their faith in God had been vindicated. God was not just a historical memory from their fathers. He was now their personal savior. God often allows us to go through challenging situations. Maybe He is hoping they will give us an opportunity to praise Him.  Let’s not wait to delivered from a crisis before we praise God.

As we wrap up this series today, let’s each reflect on our own Red Sea journey with God. I encourage you to take a few minutes and listen to this sweet song by Ellie Holcomb: Red Sea Road and soak in her hope-filled lyrics:

“When we can’t see the way, He’ll part the way.

And we’ll never walk alone down a red sea road.” 

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THE NEW LIFE :: REPRESENT JESUS

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, this is a rich chapter full of valuable life transforming lessons. Today’s column concludes this series for 2020.

 

Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.  And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him. ~ Colossians 3: 16-17

As we wrap up The New Life series today, we focus on the last two verses in my favorite section of Scripture. Here the Apostle Paul encourages his readers with some important words that perfectly cap off our study. Let’s look at four points and apply them to our lives today.

  • Let the Word of Christ Dwell In You Richly

It’s easy to allow our Bible reading to become a rote habit, flying through a chapter of Scripture just to get it checked off our to-do list. If we’ll take time to slow down and chew on a verse slowly we will find God’s Word more nourishing to our soul and spirit.  As we meditate on Scripture it will become more a part of who we are. Little by little a change will show up in our words and behavior. Soon our life will begin to reflect the character of Christ for others to see.

  • Teach One Another with All Wisdom

This verse flows so beautifully to talk next about teaching each other. As we have filled our spirits on God’s Word we will naturally want to share it with those around us. The more we know Christ, the more we will want to tell others about Him. We will be drawn to opportunities where we can share God’s goodness with those who need to hear it.

  • Sing psalms to God with Gratitude in Your Hearts

One of the most important things we can do is sing songs of gratitude and worship to God. It not only lifts our spirits but it honors God for who He is and what He has done for us. The book of Psalms is the best place to go when troubled. The songs there span every human situation and emotion imaginable. The psalmists put words to our heartache and troubles. They help us process our pain while the Holy Spirit brings healing and wholeness in a time of need.

  • Do Everything Representing the Name of Jesus

To top it all off, we must do everything as a representative of Jesus Christ. As Christians we are ambassadors for Christ to the world. We are in essence presenting what may be the only Jesus some people may ever see. Our words and actions must be in harmony with Jesus’ identity and be under His authority. Wherever we go, whatever we do, we are leaving an impression on people. Will they see Jesus Christ when they see and talk to me? It’s my prayer that others will see will see more of Him and less of me. That they truly will see Christ in me.

Take a few minutes and be blessed with this beautiful song by Jeremy Camp.

Today we bring this series to a close. If you’ve missed any of the columns this year, please check out all the previous articles here: THE NEW LIFE SERIES. I hope this series has been a blessing to you like it has been for me.