THE HOLY SPIRIT :: REVIEW & WRAP-UP

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.

October 8, 2021September 6, 2021

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!

September 10, 2021August 7, 2021

THE HOLY SPIRIT :: Gifts of Tongues & Interpreting Tongues

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 ninth post in The Holy Spirit Study series.

And to another the gift of speaking different kinds of tongues. And to another the gift of interpretation of tongues. ~ 1 Corinthians 12:10

Like so many of the gifts from Holy Spirit, speaking in other tongues and the interpretation of tongues are misunderstood, criticized and even condemned among the Christian church body today. For things that are so divisive among believers, I give God the final word. In other words, I will go to Scripture to find the bottomline truth on the matter. Which really is what we should do on all things.

He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself. ~ 1 Corinthians 14:4

Depending on which translation you read, the verse above tells us that the person who speaks in tongues builds up their body and grows spiritually. Because our body is the temple of the Holy Spirit this is a vital practice we must embrace.

For one who speaks in an unknown tongue does not speak to people but to God; for no one understands him or catches his meaning, but by the Spirit he speaks mysteries [secret truths, hidden things]. ~ 1 Corinthians 14:2

The gift of tongues is primarily for the purpose of private worship; for personal prayer and praise to God. In doing so, Holy Spirit uncovers and reveals things to us that we need to know. When we pray in the Spirit we are in direct contact with God and our minds can be enlightened.

So then, if you speak in a tongue, pray for the interpretation to be able to unfold the meaning of what you are saying. ~ 1 Corinthians 14:13

Interpretation isn’t always needed or necessary. However, Scripture tells us we are to pray for the interpretation so that we may understand the meaning of what we are saying. This isn’t a word for word translation like we think of from an earthly language perspective. But rather, words, ideas, concepts, insights, thoughts and actions will be revealed to us in our spirit not from any metal activity.

So here’s what I’ve concluded. I will pray in the Spirit, but I will also pray with my mind engaged. I will sing rapturous praises in the Spirit, but I will also sing with my mind engaged. ~ 1 Corinthians 14:15

For the apostle Paul, praying in tongues had two specific way to be manifested: in corporate gatherings or private settings. When in a public setting and someone is praying in tongues and other are listening, it is necessary to have someone who can interpret so that the Word from God may minister to the group as a whole. Tongues in a private setting with no need of interpretation, is for personal edification.

But you, my delightfully loved friends, constantly and progressively build yourselves up on the foundation of your most holy faith by praying every moment in the Spirit. ~ Jude 20

Friends, if you haven’t been born again and received the filling of the Holy Spirit, I encourage you to reach out to God right now and ask Him for the gift of salvation and the baptism of the Holy Spirit. Your spiritual life walk will be so much richer for it! I pray God will bless you richly!

Enjoy this clip from Joseph Prince on why we need to pray in tongues.

August 13, 2021July 8, 2021

THE HOLY SPIRIT :: Fruit of Goodness & Kindness

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 eighth 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. There is no law against these things! ~ Galatians 5:22-23

While the gifts of Holy Spirit are virtues, the fruit are the resulting moral actions that flow from those gifts. With the help of Holy Spirit we are able to walk in these fruit during our daily lives and display them to those around us. In today’s post we will focus on the fruit of goodness and kindness.

GOODNESS: excellence; moral virtue; expressing itself in deeds

KINDNESS: goodness in action; hospitality; benevolence; charity

Living our life while operating in our fleshly, worldly nature, we represent the antithesis, or complete opposite, of the qualities of Christ which flow in and through us when the Holy Spirit has complete control of our life.

The behavior of the self-life is obvious: Sexual immorality, lustful thoughts, pornography, chasing after things instead of God, manipulating others, hatred of those who get in your way, senseless arguments, resentment when others are favored, temper tantrums, angry quarrels, only thinking of yourself, being in love with your own opinions, being envious of the blessings of others, murder, uncontrolled addictions, wild parties, and all other similar behavior. ~ Galatians 5:19-21

We don’t have to look very far to see examples of ungodly behavior in our culture today. Sadly, even among people who claim to follow Christ. God truly wants more and better for all of us. If we will only give him full reign in our life.

Scripture tells us it is the kindness of God that causes people to turn to Him. Unfortunately, some people never experience kindness and goodness in their life. When we express the kindness and goodness of Christ in our lives, we are truly being the hands and feet of God to those around us.

You’re kind and tenderhearted to those who don’t deserve it and very patient with people who fail you. Your love is like a flooding river overflowing its banks with kindness. God, everyone sees your goodness, for your tender love is blended into everything you do. ~ Psalm 145:8-9

As a beneficial by-product of allowing Christ to have control of our lives, the Holy Spirit produces the beautiful character traits of Jesus in us, known as the fruit of The Holy Spirit. We have no control over how we get them. We can’t obtain them on our own.

If we want them to grow in our life we must know Jesus, love Jesus and imitate Jesus. When we do we will be living examples of Christ’s character that is so desperately needed in our world today.

Be blessed by this lovely worship song performed by Keith and Kristyn Getty and others.

December 28, 2020December 31, 2020

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.