Beyond Forgiveness...
Into Freedom!
Into Freedom!
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| Deep In God's Mercy YSMF News Letter November 2008 |
Season Your Holidays With HOPE
Hope. What is hope? Hope is often defined as a desire combined with the expectation
of fulfillment. In addition, the word “hope” can signify what it is that is desired and
expected. Hope can also be a verb. Such is the case when one confides in, relies on, or
puts one’s trust in another, in an object, idea, or belief.
As Christians, the hope of our desire and expectations is grounded in Jesus Christ, the
One we hope in. Because of Christ, we can live with great hope even in the midst of
seemingly hopeless circumstances. The very same hope that sustained Christ to endure
the cross event can empower us in our lives today.
We are entering the holiday season. For some, that thought brings warm feelings of
joy and anticipation of various fellowship opportunities with co-workers, friends, and/or
family. For others, it causes anxiety and dread at the thought of forced gatherings with
co-workers, friends, and/or family.
Many of us find ourselves somewhere in the middle of these two extremes. In the name
of celebrating Christmas, we face unrealistic relational expectations and the ever
growing pressures including gift exchanges, preparing holiday delicacies, church
activities, and travel. As schedules clutter and responsibilities mount up, we often catch
ourselves hoping that we can just survive another holiday season.
It is ironic that the very time of year that we set aside to intentionally focus on Christ,
our Hope, we also get distracted from that very same Hope. It is sobering to realize that
much of the distraction from focusing on our true Hope is in the name of celebrating his
birth and provision of salvation. I am humiliated at how weak and prone to distraction I
am. At the same time, I am even more humbled to re-realize God’s grace as it covers my
weakness and bursts forth in His strength.
For those of you who have taken the courageous step of facing your need for
recovery, the holiday season can be an especially stressful time of year. However, this
does not have to lead to defeat nor distraction. Rather than losing hope in the busyness
of the season, invest in a gift to yourself by spending time with Jesus, the true Hope.
When pressures or anxieties try to steal hope from you, read scripture that addresses
your current need of reassurance. Carry that thought with you throughout the day
rehearsing it over and over in your mind so that even in the midst of seasonal activities
you will be constantly reminded of Christ, the One who is the Hope of the season.
- Debbie
of fulfillment. In addition, the word “hope” can signify what it is that is desired and
expected. Hope can also be a verb. Such is the case when one confides in, relies on, or
puts one’s trust in another, in an object, idea, or belief.
As Christians, the hope of our desire and expectations is grounded in Jesus Christ, the
One we hope in. Because of Christ, we can live with great hope even in the midst of
seemingly hopeless circumstances. The very same hope that sustained Christ to endure
the cross event can empower us in our lives today.
We are entering the holiday season. For some, that thought brings warm feelings of
joy and anticipation of various fellowship opportunities with co-workers, friends, and/or
family. For others, it causes anxiety and dread at the thought of forced gatherings with
co-workers, friends, and/or family.
Many of us find ourselves somewhere in the middle of these two extremes. In the name
of celebrating Christmas, we face unrealistic relational expectations and the ever
growing pressures including gift exchanges, preparing holiday delicacies, church
activities, and travel. As schedules clutter and responsibilities mount up, we often catch
ourselves hoping that we can just survive another holiday season.
It is ironic that the very time of year that we set aside to intentionally focus on Christ,
our Hope, we also get distracted from that very same Hope. It is sobering to realize that
much of the distraction from focusing on our true Hope is in the name of celebrating his
birth and provision of salvation. I am humiliated at how weak and prone to distraction I
am. At the same time, I am even more humbled to re-realize God’s grace as it covers my
weakness and bursts forth in His strength.
For those of you who have taken the courageous step of facing your need for
recovery, the holiday season can be an especially stressful time of year. However, this
does not have to lead to defeat nor distraction. Rather than losing hope in the busyness
of the season, invest in a gift to yourself by spending time with Jesus, the true Hope.
When pressures or anxieties try to steal hope from you, read scripture that addresses
your current need of reassurance. Carry that thought with you throughout the day
rehearsing it over and over in your mind so that even in the midst of seasonal activities
you will be constantly reminded of Christ, the One who is the Hope of the season.
- Debbie
25:3 - to overcome shame
25:5 - for guidance
31:24 - for strength
33:22 - in God’s unfailing love
42, 43 - for the downcast soul
52:19 - in God’s name
25:5 - for guidance
31:24 - for strength
33:22 - in God’s unfailing love
42, 43 - for the downcast soul
52:19 - in God’s name
62:5 - for rest
71:5 - and confidence
119:147 - in crying out to God
131:3 - that endures
146:5 - and blessing
147.11 - and God’s delight
71:5 - and confidence
119:147 - in crying out to God
131:3 - that endures
146:5 - and blessing
147.11 - and God’s delight
| Wherever He Leads... |
With the publishing of You See Me Free, we are able to minister beyond the
borders of Waco and Texas. We have distributed more than 1,100 copies since
March! Books have reached around the world to places such as Kenya, Australia,
England, Canada, and throughout America.
From May through August, I traveled and shared my personal testimony to
churches, recovery meetings, families, and individuals in Florida, New Mexico,
North Carolina, Oklahoma, California, and around Texas. God even provided
many opportunities to testify and minister in airports and on airplanes as I traveled.
Let me share with you what happened at lunch one day during the Celebrate
Recovery Summit at Saddleback Church in California. After I shared a brief
testimony with a couple and offered them a copy of YSMF, tears welled up in their
eyes as they looked at each other in amazement. After a tender moment of
silence, they shared with me that one of their children struggles with same sex
attractions. This “chance” meeting brought much needed encouragement into
their family. God used this simple conversation and gift (funded by YSMF Donors)
to bring hope into their hearts. I was able to listen to their story and pray for
them—another obvious Divine appointment!
Travel has slowed as local ministry has begun again in Waco. Please contact
YSMF to schedule a testimony presentation. - Debbie
borders of Waco and Texas. We have distributed more than 1,100 copies since
March! Books have reached around the world to places such as Kenya, Australia,
England, Canada, and throughout America.
From May through August, I traveled and shared my personal testimony to
churches, recovery meetings, families, and individuals in Florida, New Mexico,
North Carolina, Oklahoma, California, and around Texas. God even provided
many opportunities to testify and minister in airports and on airplanes as I traveled.
Let me share with you what happened at lunch one day during the Celebrate
Recovery Summit at Saddleback Church in California. After I shared a brief
testimony with a couple and offered them a copy of YSMF, tears welled up in their
eyes as they looked at each other in amazement. After a tender moment of
silence, they shared with me that one of their children struggles with same sex
attractions. This “chance” meeting brought much needed encouragement into
their family. God used this simple conversation and gift (funded by YSMF Donors)
to bring hope into their hearts. I was able to listen to their story and pray for
them—another obvious Divine appointment!
Travel has slowed as local ministry has begun again in Waco. Please contact
YSMF to schedule a testimony presentation. - Debbie
| Here and There |
YSMF continues in its efforts to inform the people of Waco about support
group ministry. In October, we set up information booths at both the Waco
Baptist Regional Network's annual meeting at Highland Baptist Church, and the
McLennan Community College Community Resources Fair on the MCC campus.
At the WBRN event, YSMF was among other Christian ministries displayed.
However, at the MCC fair, we were able to provide a distinct voice by being one
of a handful of Christian organizations invited. Thanks to MCC for welcoming
YSMF to pass out recovery information to students.
group ministry. In October, we set up information booths at both the Waco
Baptist Regional Network's annual meeting at Highland Baptist Church, and the
McLennan Community College Community Resources Fair on the MCC campus.
At the WBRN event, YSMF was among other Christian ministries displayed.
However, at the MCC fair, we were able to provide a distinct voice by being one
of a handful of Christian organizations invited. Thanks to MCC for welcoming
YSMF to pass out recovery information to students.
| Can I Get A Witness? |
Confidentiality and anonymity are essentials for any recovery meeting.
Without this group guideline, meetings would not be safe for the intensity level
of sharing that is part of healing from and for overcoming life’s hurts, hang-ups,
and habits. Because of this, You See Me Free is limited on what we can share
with you, our supporters.
This month, with permission, we are able to share a testimony of what the
support group setting of Celebrate Recovery has meant in the life of one
participant. Be looking for this testimony, which will be included in the year end
ministry fund raising letter coming soon.
Without this group guideline, meetings would not be safe for the intensity level
of sharing that is part of healing from and for overcoming life’s hurts, hang-ups,
and habits. Because of this, You See Me Free is limited on what we can share
with you, our supporters.
This month, with permission, we are able to share a testimony of what the
support group setting of Celebrate Recovery has meant in the life of one
participant. Be looking for this testimony, which will be included in the year end
ministry fund raising letter coming soon.
I seldom read a book that I can actually say that I know the author, but in this case I can. I have known Debbie for several years and I have come to admire her greatly. This book as written out of her own personal struggles to learn to walk in freedom in Christ. I can tell you first hand that she is walking in freedom and knows how to lead others into the freedom she knows herself. This book is worth your time. It will not only help you, but will help you to help others discover the Biblical truth that is, “when Christ frees you, you are free indeed.” Read it, learn from it, then share it with a friend. Barry Camp Senior Pastor Highland Baptist Church, Waco, Texas |
| Prayer: Praises, Requests, and Calendar |
Praising God!
Asking God!
Weekly Meetings
- that lives are being changed!
- for volunteers!
- that community awareness of Celebrate Recovery is increasing
- that more than 1,100 books have been distributed
- for successful and productive travel this summer
- for rest from the hectic summer activities
Asking God!
- for more churches to be involved in Celebrate Recovery in Waco
- for financial provision for the ongoing ministry of YSMF
- for more volunteers to serve in support group settings
- for a church to host the Exodus support groups
Weekly Meetings
- Monday Night, CR Step Study, First Baptist Church, Woodway, Texas (closed)
- Thursday Night , CR Open Meeting, Highland Baptist Church, Waco, Texas
| Christmas Blessings May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. - Romans 15:13 From the You See Me Free Ministries Board of Directors Jan Cason, Treutt Seminary David Cozart, Meadowbrook Baptist Church Charlie Dodd, First Baptist Church, Woodway Dr. Levi Price, Truett Seminary Debbie Rarick, YSMF Dr. Bill Thomas, Baylor University |
Hope In the Psalms