Tag: David Stoop

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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.

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THE TWELVE LAWS OF LIFE RECOVERY | Service

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 SERVICE

REQUIREMENT: SERVICE
RESULT: REWARD

SERVICE: is labor of body and mind performed for the benefit of another; an attitude of the heart that spurs us to seek ways we can help others.*

In Christ Jesus, God made us new people so that we would do good works. God had planned in advance those good works for us. He had planned for us to live our lives doing them.~ Ephesians 2:10

Many of us in recovery are intimidated by the thought of trying to serve God. We may feel like we’ve messed up our lives so much that God can never use us.  However, chances are our lives were impacted to change because of another person’s story.

“We cannot use our brokenness or imperfections as excuses not to live out a missional life with purpose and meaning. “ ~ The Twelve Laws of Life Recovery

People all through the Old and New Testaments messed up. But they were committed and surrendered everything to God and He used them to work out His mission and plan for humanity.

God can do the same with us. When we have the courage to step out in faith and reach others with our story of a victorious life in recovery, our service will be rewarded beyond measure!

Be blessed with this sweet worship song by Daniel Lehmann.

* Webster 1828 Dictionary & The Twelve Laws of Life Recovery

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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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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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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!

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THE TWELVE LAWS OF LIFE RECOVERY | Connection

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’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 CONNECTION

REQUIREMENT: connection

RESULT: love

Let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God. But anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love…Dear friends, since God loved us that much, we surely ought to love each other. No one has ever seen God. But if we love each other, God lives in us, and his love is brought to full expression in us. ~ 1 John 4:7-8, 11-12

“If you fulfill the requirement of making healthy connections, you will find that your life is full of more love.” ~ The Twelve Laws of Life Recovery

We all long to be loved

Even though we are all looking for love most of us don’t realize that to receive love requires making connections. For some, that’s too much work. Many people choose to live lonely, loveless lives rather than having to connect with other people.

unhealthy connections

Some of us grew up in homes where there was lots of rules and little emotional connection at all. Then there are those who are trapped in abusive relationships thinking that what they experience is love, when it is not love at all. What is the solution to both? God of course!

Transformed with Healthy Connections

We can transform our life by building deep healthy connections with other people. This may mean we have to forgive someone who has hurt us. Or it may require us to sever a toxic relationship.  It may also mean reaching out to someone you wouldn’t normally be with.  God may lead you to a group of people who will return the healthy connection of love to you.

Love God – Love People

And I know it is important to love him with all my heart and all my understanding and all my strength, and to love my neighbor as myself. This is more important than to offer all of the burnt offerings and sacrifices required in the law. ~ Mark 12:33

It’s important that we are intentional about deepening our connection with God. To do that we must first acknowledge God. Take time to listen. Meditate on God’s Word. Talk to Him through prayer. As we become more closely connected to God we will naturally share the love we’ve received with those around us. Then we will be more connected to them too.

The more love we experience, the deeper and more valuable our connections with God and with others will become. ~ The Twelve Laws of Life Recovery

Take a few minutes and be blessed by Danny Gokey’s uplifting song.

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THE TWELVE LAWS OF LIFE RECOVERY | Humility

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.

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THE TWELVE LAWS OF LIFE RECOVERY | Powerlessness

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