Weekly Encouragement: Completely Covered

Transcription

1 December 19, 2017 Weekly Encouragement: Completely Covered "Come now, let us settle the matter," says the Lord. "Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool." Isaiah 1:18 (NIV) The first snow fall of the year always brings a bit of joy as it announces the arrival of winter. The first snow of this year only covered parts of the yard and even less of the pond behind our house. The days before the snow had been very cold. Parts of the ground and pond were frozen while other places weren't quite frozen yet. As I looked at the yard my thoughts turned to the words found in Isaiah 1:18. "Come now, let us settle the matter," says the Lord. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool." The snow completely covered the parts of my yard that were prepared for the snow. In the places where the snow stuck, the temperature was just right to allow the snow to do its work; to cover those places with a beautiful blanket of white. The parts that weren't prepared for the snow were not blanketed in the beauty of the snow. Isn't it just like God to speak to us as He works in nature? My life is so much like my yard and the snowthere are parts I am more than ready to allow God to

2 cover with His grace. And then there are the other partsthings I hold on to refusing to allow God to cover them in His love and grace. The beautiful thing about God is He never forces us to do anything. Yet, He invites us to come to Him. Hear the invitation in the words of Isaiah, "Come now, let us settle the matter..." God wants to completely cover every sin and stain. He isn't interested in a partial solution; He wants to settle the matter. What things are you trying to handle on your own instead of allowing God to take care of them? What things in your life do you need to fully surrender so His grace and mercy can cover them? I encourage you to allow Him to prepare your heart to receive the gift of His mercy and grace. His love does indeed cover a multitude of sins! Donna Yearsin, National Coordinator Celebration Place Celebration Place: Ministry for Children Celebration Place is designed to inspire kids with hope, joy, and friendships while they learn to rely on God. Celebration Place is a 52- week complementary children's resource to Celebrate Recovery. For more info about Celebration Place, please contact Sylvia. The Landing: Ministry for Teens The Landing is the 5th-12th grade student ministry for Celebrate Recovery. Our Desire is to walk alongside students who are personally struggling or come from struggling families by pointing them towards the healing and hope found in Jesus Christ - and by equipping them with "recovery tools" that will help them deal with current and future issues. The Landing meets every Friday night at 7:00pm in the Student Center Central auditorium. Upcoming Training: February 10 If you have finished a step study or near completion, or just need a refresher course, we have a new leader training coming soon. Saturday, February 10

3 8:30am-4:00pm BiLD Training Center Classroom 161 8:30 Leadership :00 Step Study 12:00 Lunch (provided; donations appreciated) 12:30 CR Bible, Guidelines, and Group Dynamics 2:00 Open Share New Year's Eve Party Come celebrate the new year with us! We will meet on Sunday, December 31 from 9:00pm-Midnight in The Lodge here at Fellowship. Bring your favorite game and your favorite snack. See you there! Holidays are Tough: Have a Relapse Prevention Plan HOLIDAY RELAPSE PREVENTION PLAN The Holidays are upon us. It's time to start preparing your HOLIDAY RELAPSE PREVENTION PLAN! A relapse can be slipping back into an old behavior or pattern such as the way we respond in conflict or what we are dwelling on or more. Maybe an old habit that tends to be a fall back coping mechanism during this time of year. The way we eat and what we eat, what we look at or? 1. Daily Review: "I have found journaling at the end of each day a key to my 'relapse prevention plan.' Thank God, I haven't had a drink in over 23 years, but I can't rest on past victories. That is just what the enemy wants me to do. After all these years, I still write down my daily inventory in my journal. I can see the areas where I have fallen short and missed the mark. I can see the daily victories God is giving me. When I sin (not if I sin), I write it down and do my best to make the necessary corrections. Over time I can see unhealthy patterns develop, and with the support of God and my accountability partners, I can put together an action plan to get me back on track." (Life's Healing Choices, Pg. 216) John Baker

4 2. Pick up the phone: Call your accountability partners and/or sponsor regularly. 3. Meditate and/or memorize Bibles verses. What scriptures speak to you in tough times? Maybe take some time to memorize those truths. 4. Stay in community. The opposite of relapse is connection. Attend your meetings and be with church family during the week. Don't listen to the voice that says, "You don't need to attend a meeting tonight." Remember, if we wait until we "feel" like going, it will never happen. We all need to be in community so we don't isolate ourselves. 5. Gratitude List: Write down at least one thing you are grateful for each day. "I am breathing." "I had food to eat today." "I have forever family to see at CR." "I am not alone ever." Add to your plan as you see fit. The important thing is to have a proactive plan to help us through the Holidays. "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) Fellowship Christmas Services Join us for one of our eight Christmas Eve Celebrations, December 24 in the Worship Center of our NWA Campus. To aid in our desire to serve our church family and guests, please communicate your attendance plans by picking up your service RSVPs at the Community Booth in the Worship Center Foyer for one of the following service times: Traditional Christmas Eve Celebrations 8:00am, 6:00 or 7:30pm Family Christmas Eve Celebrations 9:00, 10:00, or 11:00am, 3:00 or 4:30pm No childcare - children worship with their families. For more information, visit fellowshipnwa.org/christmas.

5 Friday Night:Its Christmas! We have a special night planned this Friday as we focus in on how the Christmas story relates to us and our own recovery journey. See you Friday! Come on in for a meal together at 6:00pm! Pizza This week: Step Study Group: Find a group for you! Men's Study Mondays, 5:45am - starting January 15 Fellowship Bible Church, Rogers campus BiLD Training Center, Classroom 166 or more info, contact Rodney. Mondays, 6:30-8:30pm - starting January 15 Fellowship Bible Church, Preschool Building, Room 155, Rogers Campus For more info, contact Steve. Wednesdays, 5:45am - starting January 17 Fellowship Bible Church, Fayetteville Campus For more info, contact Ray. Women's Study Mondays, 6:30pm Fellowship Bible Church, Fayetteville campus Classroom 156 or more info, contact Katelin Tuesdays, 6:30-8:30pm - starting January 16 Fellowship Bible Church, Care Conference Room, Rogers Campus For more info, contact Annie.

6 Fighting Words Challenge: God sent Jesus to save us from our sins. "If your mind is filled with the Word of God, then it can't be filled with impure thoughts." - David Jeremiah Grab an index card, jot down the info below, and use it to help you internalize the Bible. Fighting Words Verse: Side 1 of 3x5 card: She will bear a Son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins. Matthew 1:21 (MEV) Side 2 (application): God sent Jesus to save us from our sins.