God is moving in CR

By Carol Holmstrom, Fellowship Bible Church, Celebrate Recovery , December 18, 2019 A little over 27 years ago, we were anticipating the birth of our first child. It was a difficult pregnancy and there were many concerns that he would be born  prematurely. Even though he was born a little before his due date, I remember being so thankful that the timing of his birth was perfect. Looking back, the months we waited for the birth of our son were short, but at that time, it seemed like an eternity. I can't imagine the anticipation of Elizabeth and Zechariah awaiting the miraculous birth of their son, John. They knew that he would  " be called a prophet of the Most High, for you (John) will go on before the Lord to prepare the way for him."  ( Luke 1:76 ). As a parent, I have had many days of anticipating what my children would become. How incredible it must have been for Elizabeth and Zechariah to know that their son was set apart to be a "prophet of the M

By Kareena Holloway, Fellowship Bible Church, Rogers, Celebrate Recovery Women's Encouragement Coach, 12/11/19 One of the best things I love about my routine of reading Bible devotionals is that it sets my heart back right with Christ. I ask myself, and encourage you to ask yourself : "How's my heart today?" At Celebrate Recovery, we encourage one another to do a H.E.A.R.T Check on a routine basis. That is to ask, am I: H urting E xha usted A ngry R esentful T ense This is not meant as a trigger point, but rather, an opportunity to process!   As we go through these, we can take the necessary time to give it over to God, to process through what’s really happening so that it doesn’t fester like an infected wound. We don't have to carry it all. As Jesus said,   “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls

By Carl Kimbrow, Fellowship Bible Church Rogers Celebrate Recovery Devotional Team writer, 12/4/19 “I’m a grateful believer in Jesus Christ.” I have introduced myself in meetings with these words so often that I say them without even thinking. I have so much to be thankful for, but I don’t always remember that.  The holiday season brings unpleasant memories and reminds me that the life Cheryl and I dreamed of together isn’t going to happen. It was seven years ago in November 2012 that our son went to prison for the first time. That Christmas we tried to hide our sorrow and keep the girls happy while their mom was passed out in the next room. Then in January 2013 girls’ mom left for work and never came back. A lot has happened since then. We have adopted the girls and moved on. But even after seven years the pain is still there. I often grieve that Cheryl and I can’t enjoy the ‘empty nester’s’ life we desire. In my pain and anger I sometimes lack an attitude of gratitude to