WelcomeIt’s an honour to share this experience with you! May this booklet serve you well as you reflect on your journey of faith. We encourage you to journal your thoughts, prayers and hopes as we reflect on 12 Key Principles of Restoration!

God created you as a woman for a unique and powerful purpose, He seeks to restore you by revealing your true beauty and design like a valuable painting in need of careful restoration. Being a woman is complex no doubt! We face massive challenges to steer us off God’s plan for us. Throughout scripture, I see a passionate Father who is aching for His children to be found by Him and live an abundant life through Him. A key scriptural verse that comes to mind is from the story of Zacchaeus encountering Jesus in Luke 19:10 where he replied:

“For the Son of Man came to find and restore the lost.” (Message)

The Amplified translation reads:

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save that which was lost.”

Restoration is broad, it’s vast, it’s limitless. Being restored is a journey. To grasp this more fully, we need to go back to the garden, back to Eden i.e. before sin entered the world. Imagine what life would have been like with perfect union with God and man. I see dominion and perfect unity designed to reflect the image of God on this earth (Genesis 1:27). In a fallen world filled with sin much has been lost so it is often difficult to imagine that reality!

Praise God that Jesus came to restore us back to our original design and He is in the business of seeking us, saving us, transforming us if we allow Him to. He simply asks us to establish His kingdom in our hearts, homes and calling by praying for His kingdom to come, “on earth as it is in heaven.”

Restoration: a bringing back to a former position or condition : reinstatement – the restoration of

Journey to Restoration

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Journey to RestorationSeeks dependence on God

Embraces her identity in Christ

Honors God

Establishes loving relationships

Practices integrity

Prays regularly against the counterfeit restoration

Prioritizes a balanced life

Desires interdependence in the body of Christ

Shares God’s Story

Nurtures the next generation

Seeks justice and disciples others

Values the local church

*All scripture is taken from the “new Living Translation unless otherwise noted

Contents of this booklet is copywritten by Women’s Journey of Faith Inc.

peace – a restoring to an unimpaired or improved condition: a representation or reconstruction of the original form.

“For all creation is waiting eagerly for that future day when God will reveal who his children really are.” Romans 8:19

I believe that our restoration as women is crucial towards the Church’s effectiveness, the prophetic destiny of Israel and reaching the world for Christ! May these “principles

of restoration” remind you of your call, awaken you to who you really are “In Christ”, a daughter of the Most High God! May the unveiling continue...

Excited to share the journey with you!

Jodi KozanFounder & President Women’s Journey of Faith

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Seeks Dependance on GodThe most fundamental principle on the road to restoration is addressing our direct relationship with God Himself. Rather than chasing a religion, God is calling us to a beautiful and intimate relationship with Him, through Jesus. By Jesus’ divine birth, sinless life and sacrificial death on the cross, for the sins of mankind, we can know God and be known by Him. Incredible! To depend on God means to abide or remain in Him, just as the Word of God states. Depending on other sources for life is futile. In John 15:4, Jesus compares us to a vine. Just as a vine withers when separated from the branch, so do we. Christ is the branch and we must remain in Him. Through the power of the Holy Spirit and the abundance of such spiritual disciplines as worship, prayer, and the Word of God, God gives us the ability to depend on Him.

“Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. John 15:4

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Reflection: Do you know Jesus personally as your Lord and Saviour? If so, how do you remain in Him? In what ways do you seek dependance on God?

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Embracing Our Identity In ChristKnowing who you are in Jesus Christ is crucial on the journey to restoration! As women, we more often than not have an identity crises on our hands and are continually bombarded with messages that distort our true identity. How many of us are running to people, positions, material possessions, vanity, finances, success, or other temporal pursuits to define who we are? The Bible clearly states that we are made right with God by accepting Jesus Christ into our lives as our personal Saviour. Through that act of faith, we become God’s daughters! Our identity crises can be silenced when we embrace our new identity in Christ.

“We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. Romans 3:22

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Reflection: Do you know your true identity in Christ? Read the statements below and announce the truth of how God sees you. The following statements are true of all believers in Jesus Christ and are God’s plan for restoration:

In Christ I am accepted:John 1:12 I am God's Child John 15:15 As a disciple, I am a friend of Jesus Christ Romans 5:1 I have been justified 1 Cor. 6:17 I am united with the Lord 1 Cor. 6:19-20 I have been bought with a price and I belong to God 1 Cor. 12:27 I am a member of Christ's body Ephesians 1:3-8 I have been chosen and adopted as His child Colossians 1:13-14 I have been been redeemed and forgiven Colossians 2:9-10 I am complete in Christ

* (I renounce the lie that I am rejected, unloved, unworthy, dirty, or shameful, because God says that in Christ I am accepted!)

In Christ I am secure:Romans 8:1-2 I am free from condemnation Romans 8:28 I am assured that all things work together for Good 2 Cor. 1:21-22 I have been established, anointed, sealed by God Philippians 1:6 God will complete the good work He started in me Philippians 3:20 I am a citizen of Heaven

1 John 5:18 I am born of God and the evil one cannot touch me 2 Timothy 1:7 I have not been given a spirit of fear but of power, love and a sound mind

* (I renounce the lie that I am alone, unprotected, guilty, or abandoned, because in Christ I am totally secure!)

In Christ I am significant:John 15:15 I am a branch of Jesus Christ, a channel of His life John 15:16 I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit 1 Cor. 3:16 I am God's temple 2 Cor. 5:17-21 I am a minister of reconciliation for God Ephesians 2:6 I am seated with Jesus Christ in the Heavenly realm Ephesians 2:10 I am God's workmanship Ephesians 3:12 I may approach God with freedom and confidence Philippians 4:13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me

* (I renounce the lie that I am worthless, inadequate, helpless or hopeless, because in Christ I am deeply significant!)

* Concept taken from Freedom in Christ

What areas do you need to live by faith and renounce lies and announce the truth of your new identity?

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Establishes Loving RelationshipsWe were created to be relational, both with God and with one another! No matter what our personality, marital status, educational level, age or vocation, God purposed each one of us for intentional relationships. We may not all have the “spiritual gift of hospitality," but we are all called to be hospitable. We may not all be the extraverted social butterfly, but we are all called to share Christ’s love no matter who we encounter or where we go. As women of faith, we are designed to create and connect! True ministry happens when we are authentically sharing our journey and loving one another in every aspect of life.

“Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Romans 12:9-10

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Reflection: Are you experiencing authentic life giving relationships? In what arena (ie. home, work, school…etc.) are you challenged the most in sharing your journey and loving one another?

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Practices Integrity

Our world is made up of many imposters. Let’s face it, it’s easy to hide behind facades and to put on the many masks women are lured to wear. If we aren’t tempted to fake it, we may be guilted into hiding away altogether. God is calling us to higher ground and through the power of the Holy Spirit at work in our lives, we can seek to live a life of integrity. Sin doesn’t need to hold us down when we confess it and allow grace to enter into our entire being. When we experience the purity of Jesus at work in our lives, there is no looking back. We fight for our call to live a life of integrity in all areas: spiritually, morally, ethically and sexually as we live our lives to an audience of “One.”

“Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out. Proverbs 10:9

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Reflection: Who in your life would you consider a mentor or someone who modelled a lifestyle of integrity? Where are you at with living your life to an audience of One?

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Prays Regularly Against the Counterfeit RestorationThe closer we get to the “End of days”, the more discernment, wisdom, and words of knowledge will be required to discern the times. As God has a plan for restoration, it is important to remember there is also a sinister counterfeit restoration ploy in our midst. The Bible says “even the elect will be deceived”, (Matthew 24:24) with false prophets and teachers, alongside the new age movement which grows continually in this evil age. It is clear that as believers in Jesus Christ, we must put on the full armour of God as described in the book of Ephesians. The reality is Satan disguises himself as an “angel of light”, (2 Corinthians 11:14), so we must pray regularly for discernment and wisdom. Let’s be women who refuse to seek anything but the real deal and rebuke and refuse to have any part in the counterfeit. If we have fallen though, we recognize grace and truth quickly and are open to correction when needed. Being strong in the Lord is living a life of confession and repentance. By putting on God’s armour, we become suited up as His soldier girls to fight the good fight. The battle belongs to the Lord!

“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. Put on the whole armour of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Ephesians 6:10

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Reflection: Read Ephesians chapter 6, verses 10-20. What resonates with you in this call to suit up in God’s army?

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Prioritizes a Balanced LifeGod created our beings to worship, serve, honour and reflect Him as our mind, body and spirit function as one. Through business, neglecting self care and any number of restoration detours, we know when we aren’t balanced. Our body suffers, our mind is fragmented, and our spirit is not in sync with the One who can bring abounding peace. Balance comes when we allow God to fill us with His Holy Spirit and lead our entire being to submit to Him and His ways. Living out of that place of rest is key to balance - learning God, honouring boundaries!

“Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again.” Thessalonians 5:23

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Reflection: Complete this sentence: I know that I am out of balance when ____. Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you how you can have more God ordained balance in your life. Don’t compare yourself to others, but trust God to speak to you personally.

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Shares God’s Story

If you know Jesus, you have a story to tell! Our entire life becomes a testimony to Jesus Christ the more we know Him and and allow His life, truth, and grace to shine in our lives. Sharing God’s story through our own stories requires faith, but we are not alone. The Holy Spirit can empower us to be prepared to share His name at any given moment in a hurting world. The Bible is full of real life stories of transformed lives. The story lives in and through us as we share God’s story through our stories.

“ Let each generation tell its children of your mighty acts; let them proclaim your power. I will meditate on your majestic, glorious splendor and your wonderful miracles. Your awe-inspiring deeds will be on every tongue; I will proclaim your greatness. Everyone will share the story of your wonderful goodness; they will sing with joy about your righteousness. Psalm 145: 4-7

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Reflection: Jesus asked his disciples “But who do you say that I am?” (Mark 8:29) If He were to ask you that question directly today, what would you say to Him? Do you know Him as Savior and Lord, Healer, Deliverer, Restorer, Friend? Write down those words or phrases that comes to mind.

“But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” 1 Peter 3:15

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Sharing God’s Story Through Your Story...

“Overcoming our Roadblocks”

Reflection: All of us have roadblocks that hinder us from sharing our testimony with others. What are your roadblocks?

*Fear *Assumptions *Apathy *Selfishness *Pride *Un-forgiveness, other?

Biblical Examples:

The Woman at the Well in John 4:1-42 - this woman’s testimony of Jesus saved a whole town.

Peter experienced a “roadblock” when he denies Jesus in Luke 22:54-62. But with confession and reaching out in faith, Peter was filled with the Holy Spirit. Peter boldly preaches Jesus and 3000 people are saved. Acts 2:14-41

What is a “Biblical Testimony” The disciples declared:

“We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard.” Acts 4:20

A biblical testimony is a story or statement regarding what we have seen or heard in regards to Jesus.

Reflection: What have you personally seen and heard?

The power of the Holy Spirit sets us free from all roadblocks. When we allow the Holy Spirit to fill us with this power, we become bold and confident to share our testimony with others.

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8

Eight Steps to Strengthen Your Testimony, so you can Share God’s Story!• Read about Jesus in the Bible, get to know who He is and read about the things others

have done because of faith in Him.

• Ask God to strengthen your testimony.

• Ask the Holy Spirit to speak to you about your testimony and think deeply about who you believe Jesus to be.

• Ask the Holy Spirit to empower you to be bold.

• Join with a prayer partner (maybe a friend or spouse, pastor or leader of your church) and pray together for testimonies to be released and strengthened.

• Ask God for opportunities to share your testimony.

• Step out and place your trust in Jesus to do something. This does not mean you set out to test God and attempt to prove Jesus is alive. Rather you do something you know God expects or wants you to do – love is your motive – such as: pray for and visit the sick, visit and pray for someone in jail, tell someone about Jesus. Live your dreams and life with Jesus through the power of the Holy Spirit.

• Always pray that you – and others – will be kept from temptation because sin destroys our testimony.

“ And they have defeated him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony. And they did not love their lives so much but to shrink back from death” Revelation 12:11

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Desires Interdependence in the Body of ChristWomen have a tendency to fall into one of two camps, co-dependency or extreme independence. God is calling us to be dependent on Him, and then as a Christ follower we are a part of His “Body” and called to be interdependent as a family of believers. Each part is necessary. We are designed to function as “one body”. Tough to do when “Body parts” don’t always get along! On the road to restoration, there is no room for sibling rivalry. May we be women who have an authentic desire for God’s master plan for the Church, to function as “one” as referred to in John 17. May we be committed to reaching beyond racial, social, economic, gender, generational, and denominational barriers to demonstrate the power of biblical unity and reconciliation. Unity is Christ’s higher call to effective evangelism: “then the world will believe.”

“ Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other. Romans 12:4-5

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Reflection: Read Jesus prayer in John 17 and then reflect on verses 20-26 below. May Jesus’ prayer for unity be our prayer:

“I am praying not only for these disciples but also for all who will ever believe in me through their message. I pray that they will all be one, just as You and I are one- as you are in Me, Father, and I in You. And may they be in Us so that the world will believe you sent Me. “I have given them the glory you gave Me, so they may be one as We are one. I am in them and You are in Me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent Me and that you love them as much as you love Me. Father, I want these whom You have given Me will be with Me where I am. “Then they can see all the glory You gave Me because You loved Me even before the world began! “O righteous Father, the world doesn’t know You, but I do; and these disciples know You sent Me. I have revealed You to them, and I will continue to do so. Then Your love for Me will be in them, and I will be in them.” John 17:20-26

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Nurtures the Next GenerationOur world is aching for spiritual mothers to nurture mentor, guide, pray for, and build up the next generation. Many shirk from that mandate because we feel we have nothing to offer. Authentic mentoring happens when we trust God to use all of our life stories to impact others for His kingdom. Be it lessons learned through mistakes to heed a warning, or guidance through tried and true steps of faith. May we be women who reach out and be the spiritual mothers, sisters, and aunties who lend a listening ear, pray, lend a shoulder to cry on, encourage, build up, and model the way. When we do, God always rewards us with encouragement through their life and impact on us as well. We need each other!

“Your job is to speak out on the things that make for solid doctrine... Guide older women into lives of reverence so they end up as neither gossips nor drunks, but models of goodness. By looking at them, the younger women will know how to love their husbands and children, be virtuous and pure, keep a good house, be good wives. We don’t want anyone looking down on God’s Message because of their behavior. Also, guide the young men to live disciplined lives. Titus 2:3-6 (Message)

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Reflection: On our journey of faith, we are constantly being called in the direction of nurturing. Being nurtured by the Holy Spirit, our call is to nurture and mentor others out of that outflow, and likewise to be open to mentoring and care from others. Reflect on who those people are in your life. If you aren’t in that place, pray for those who you can reach out to or those who can pour into you, be it through a spiritual mother/mentor or a prayer partner!

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Seeks Justice and Disciples OthersA roadblock to restoration’s journey is being so self consumed we are blind to the needs all around us. God is calling us to look up and out and be passionately focused on setting the captives free. God’s word confirms throughout the Old Testament scriptures and the New, that a major key to being restored and find answers to prayers is to be active in seeking justice! We cannot be all things to all people, but we are called to be “rebuilders of walls and restorers of homes” as refereed to in Isaiah 58. It’s a group effort!

“ ...And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Micah 6:8 (NIV)

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Reflection: Read Isaiah 58: 6-12 below. It’s a group effort. Pray and ask the Holy Spirit for your next step as you follow His heart for the poor, the marginalized, hungry, and oppressed people both within arms reach and those across the nations.

“No, this is the kind of fasting I want: Free those who are wrongly imprisoned; lighten the burden of those who work for you. Let the oppressed go free, and remove the chains that bind people. Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help. Then your salvation will come like the dawn, and your wounds will quickly heal. Your godliness will lead you forward, and the glory of the Lord will protect you from behind. Then when you call, the Lord will answer. ‘Yes, I am here,’ He will quickly reply. “Remove the heavy yoke of oppression. Stop pointing your finger and spreading vicious rumors! Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon. The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring. Some of you will rebuild the deserted ruins of your cities. Then you will be known as a rebuilder of walls and a restorer of homes.” Isaiah 58:6-12

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Values the Local ChurchAs believers in Jesus Christ, it is key to gather intentionally on a regular basis. We are a part of a world wide church of God who is a beautifully complex and diverse body of believers. Churches are filled with imperfect people on the restoration journey though. Because of that fact, there is no perfect Church, but Jesus is coming back for a radiant ”Bride!” (2 Corinthians 11:2). So much of our preparation for that day is lived out in fellowship and service to and through the local church. We value church involvement and support the mission of the church by honoring and praying for pastors and leaders. One of the best ways to grow in our faith is to serve by sharing our time, our experiences, skills, and sharpen our God given spiritual gifts in the process. (Visit us online www.wjof.com and download a copy of “Spiritual Gifts”)

“ And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” Hebrews 10:25

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Reflection: Do you have a church home that loves God, disciples one another, and reaches out with the love of Jesus Christ? Pray for your church and those in your community, and ask God how you can serve Him in this next season. Don’t wait to be asked to join a church, serve on a committee, or assist with a ministry. Jump in and ask how you can serve!

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Restoring HonorOne of the most subtle forms the enemy of our soul creeps into our lives is he twists our perception of God and others by using a lifestyle of dishonour through our thoughts, words, and actions. Be it unforgiveness, rebellion, bitterness, jealousy, or any number of sin that causes us to withhold honour, we too become trapped in sins lair. To restore honour in our homes, churches, and communities, it begins in our heart! Honouring God and praising Him for who He is is the beginning of the journey to honour others in “delegated authority” positions on earth. Pray for those in authority and seek to live a life of honor, even if you don’t agree with someone. When you do, God will honour you. Allow God to be God! Dishonour, discord and rebellion hinders God’s Spirit from moving. When we live a life of honour, it releases His Spirit to move more freely among us all. On restoration’s journey, there is protocol to follow dear friends! Restoring honour will affect every single relationship we encounter; may we truly hone into this principle. Our ability to do so will bring forth blessings or curses. We have a choice. Which way will we turn?

“ …give respect and honor to those who are in authority.” Romans 13:7 “Honor your father and mother.” Exodus 20:12 “Give honor to marriage…” Hebrews 13:4 “Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.” Romans 12:10

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Reflection: Ask God to reveal to you if you have any areas of dishonour in your heart and mind towards Him, those in authority, or others on your journey of faith. What is Jesus saying to you? Ask the Holy Spirit to give you strength to honour, forgive, and trust God with the outcome.

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Dear Heavenly Father,

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Love, your daughter on the Journey,

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