On-line meetings due to coronavirus

With the rapidly changing situation in the world, the US and here in Beaver County, PA due to the coronavirus, it is hard to keep up these days. The decision to suspend meeting times for our Celebrate Recovery and our church proves equally difficult. On one hand we must consider the instructions from our government leaders and medical experts who tell us that we must isolate as much as possible. On the other hand, we know that isolation, combined with stressful situations is a breeding ground for addiction and relapse. As a result of this dilemma, we are pursuing a new course of action. First, lessons will be posted on both this CR blog and our church blog throughout the weeks that this continues. A link to the other blog is located on the right side of this screen. Second, we will be making phone calls to those interested during our normal meeting times and as needed. If you would like to be included in receiving a call or text, please send a text indicating such to our Recovery and Restoration Church phone number which is 724.846.3830. You can also email us at firstbaptistchurchnb@gmail.com. You can also post any questions or comment you may have about these blogs.

So, here we are, unable to meet. The Celebrate Recovery meetings we hold each Tuesday evening continue to be highlights in my week. Since January, much of our discussion time centered on codependency, even as we moved through Steps 1-4. Over the past couple weeks we have continued on with Step 4’s spiritual inventory in our personal time while moving onto Step 5-6 as a group. Step 6 is where we pick up in next week’s on-line session. For tonight, however, a few words about getting through the virus crisis and shut-down.

I like to begin each session with a passage of Scripture and this week I’ll encourage you to again focus on Ephesians 5:15-21, “See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, redeeming the time, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, submitting to one another in the fear of God.” (NKJV)

The days upon us right now are uncertain at best, fearful and threatening also come to mind. Danger seems to be lurking and closing in, danger from the virus itself, but also from the isolation. We all know addictions love to isolate us so we must walk carefully, redeeming the time and not being foolish. We must maintain contact with each other so when I or someone else from CR or church calls you, answer. You need to reach out as well. More than that, though, you need to cling more than ever the One who is with you all the time, no matter how isolated you are. God is always with you and always gives a way of escape when temptation comes (READ 1 Corinthians 10:13 and context). Seriously, get your Bible and read that now.

We know we can’t experience recovery on our own, we need each other, but most of all we need our Father God, His Son Jesus Christ, and His Holy Spirit. Spend time in His Word, more than you usually do. Just read, read, read; it will refocus your mind. And don’t just skim through, take time to study it, let it soak in, take notes…taking notes in a notebook is a great way to read because it slows you down and you can record thoughts and questions as you go. Besides Ephesians 5, I would encourage you to read 1 John (in the NT just a couple pages before Revelation) and 1 Peter.

Once again, feel free to contact me via the phone and/or email listed above. Tomorrow’s post on the church blog will be about fear.

May the Lord watch over you, protect you, and keep you close to Him.

Grace and Peace,

Pastor Mark