THE TWELVE LAWS OF LIFE RECOVERY | Restitution

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 RESTITUTION

REQUIREMENT: RESTITUTION

RESULT: CLOSURE

They must confess their sin and make full restitution for what they have done, adding an additional 20 percent and returning it to the person who was wronged. ~ Numbers 5:7

Step 9: We made direct amends to such people wherever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others.

As recovering addicts working the 12 Steps, we all at one time will need to make our amends. The law of restitution is similar to making amends but it takes it a little bit further. Rather than trying to amend a broken relationship when we make restitution we are working to resolve what may have been lost or destroyed by our behavior: financial mistakes, physical injuries, sexual sins, etc.

So if you are about to offer your gift to God at the altar and there you remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there in front of the altar, go at once and make peace with your brother, and then come back and offer your gift to God.~ Matthew 5:23-24

“We cannot sincerely worship God with our words and sacrifices until we have made things right with other people.” ~ The Twelve Laws of Life Recovery

It’s important that we make every effort possible, if possible to restore healing to the relationships that we can. Prayerfully, go to God for direction on who He wants you to make restitution with. Take time to write a letter if necessary or even see them in person. Ask them what it would take from you for them to feel like you have really restored the relationship.

Remember, we are not called to be in relationship with everyone we have hurt in the past. Some people we must make restitution through our Father from a distance.

Be blessed with this beautiful song by Casting Crowns.

April 15, 2022April 2, 2022

THE TWELVE LAWS OF LIFE RECOVERY | Willingness

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 WILLINGNESS

REQUIREMENT: willingness

RESULT: growth

Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. ~ Colossians 3:23

“Willingness opens the door to new paths that lead to growth. Resistance or stubbornness are signs of foolish ness and self-delusion.” ~ The Twelve Laws of Life Recovery

There’s a childish side of us all that wants everything our way. Those of us in life recovery have probably experienced a time when friends or family members tried to get us to stop our addictive habits or behaviors. But we were foolish and stubbornly refused to listen or comply with their requests. We were unwilling to change. We wanted to live life on our terms.

But 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

Take a moment of inventory…

Are you living a life of wisdom? The proof you are not wise is a lack of purity, love, gentleness and a willingness to yield to others. When we willing submit to God we open our selves to His wisdom. We will begin to grow personally and our lives will produce godly results that others will see.

Take a few moments to watch / listen to this beautiful Casting Crowns song.

July 10, 2020June 21, 2020

THE SPIRITUAL DISCIPLINES :: GUIDANCE

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

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

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

GUIDANCE: Experiencing an interactive friendship with God that gives direction and purpose to daily life. ~ The Life With God Bible

The Spirit shows what is true and will come and guide you into the full truth. ~ John 16:13 CEV

The Spiritual Discipline of Guidance is critically important whether we are giving guidance or following guidance from others. We can receive guidance from God through Scriptures, directly from the Holy Spirit and also from other believers in our community. At all times advice from other people should be checked to make sure it lines up with God’s Word.

If any of you need wisdom, you should ask God, and it will be given to you. God is generous and won’t correct you for asking. ~ James 1:5 CEV

All through Scripture we see examples of the importance of good counsel. These examples show us what to do and what not to do. Old Testament kings repeatedly followed bad advice from their advisors which inevitably cause the nation and people of Israel to suffer painful consequences. The kings who heeded godly advice from God fearing counselors were less likely to make fatal errors in judgement.

Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. ~ Galatians 5:25 NLT

Whether we are leaders in our community, church, or family, our decisions effect more than just ourselves. It’s critical we have a sensitive spirit that is listening for the gentle whisper from the Holy Spirit, looking for direction in Scripture faithfully, or when necessary seeking counsel from a trusted godly advisor.

One thing we know for sure is that we can trust Jesus to always lead and guide us into the way of truth!

Take a few minutes to contemplate how you can trust Jesus to guide you at all times with this classic hymn sung by Casting Crowns.

June 19, 2020May 25, 2020

THE NEW LIFE :: SPEAK TRUTH

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

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

Do not lie to one another, for you have stripped off the old self with its evil practices.~ Colossians 3:9

In this portion of our study the Apostle Paul reminds us that because we’re walking a new life we must strip off our old ways and words.

From Anger and Deception to Peace and Truth

Before Christ made us new creatures we were spiritually dead. Our old self would put on anger and deception to manage ourselves and others. But now with Christ enlivening us we can live in peace and truth.

The Ultimate Voice of Truth

Christ, the ultimate Voice of Truth, speaks into our spirit. It’s up to us to listen and believe; to allow Him to live and speak through us to others.

Live Up to The Higher Standard

As Christ followers we hold to a higher standard–we must intentionally put off our old words and ways to walk in this new life. Others are watching and waiting for us to live up or fall down. Let’s live up to Christ with the Voice of Truth in our mouth!