Celebrate Recovery Weekly Encouragement 8-1-23

Last week I talked about some common themes that, we as a group discussed while we were at the Summit. One theme that stood out was flaws. Everyone of us has those character defects or flaws that pop up in our lives. For me it seems like just when I thinkI have got life handled, BOOM! I’m reminded that I am human.

Accepting our Flaws.

Romans 3:23 says, "For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God."
As people, we are all flawed and prone to making mistakes. Romans 3:23 is a powerful truth that none of us are good enough to measure up to God's glory. This fact that everyone is imperfect shouldn't make us feel bad; instead, it should humble us and show us how much we need God's grace and forgiveness.

“Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me.”
‭‭2 Corinthians‬ ‭12‬:‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬.  So, I'll be even happier to talk about how weak I am, so that Christ's power can rest on me.

2 Corinthians 12:9 is refreshing, because in a world where beauty and perfection are often held up as a god. We see the opposite with Christ. God's strength and power show themselves through our faults and flaws. So, instead of trying to hide our flaws, we should see them as chances for God's love, grace and mercy to work in us.

"If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just, and He will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness," says 1 John 1:9.

God's reaction to our mistakes is not to judge us, but to forgive us, as 1 John 1:9 shows. God is always ready to forgive us and clean us up when we admit our flaws, mistakes, or sins. This helps us get back in touch with Him.

We can trust God in that, even though we're not perfect, we'll always be able to turn to God, who is, and find grace, forgiveness, and a new sense of who we are in Him.

Brian Willems CADC 1
Ministry Leader
Celebrate Recovery
New Life Community Dinuba

Lesson 16 Amends:
You need to approach those to whom you are offering your forgiveness or amends humbly, honestly, sincerely, and willingly. Don’t offer excuses or attempt to justify your actions; focus only on your part.
In five words, here’s the secret to making successful amends: Do not expect anything back! You are making your amends, not for a reward, but for freedom from your hurts, hang-ups, and habits.

Opioid deaths are at an all time high here in the Central Valley, as well as all across our country.
Naloxone (Narcan) is a medicine that rapidly reverses an opioid overdose. It is an opioid antagonist. This means that it attaches to opioid receptors and reverses and blocks the effects of other opioids. Naloxone can quickly restore normal breathing to a person if their breathing has slowed or stopped because of an opioid overdose. But, naloxone has no effect on someone who does not have opioids in their system, and it is not a treatment for opioid use disorder. Examples of opioids include heroin, fentanyl, oxycodone (OxyContin®), hydrocodone (Vicodin®), codeine, and morphine.
After the training BCJC will be on hand to distribute Narcan to everyone that attends.