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Month: July 2020

God or Higher Power?

And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12 When I initially sought recovery, I was warned – by some well-meaning Christians – against Alcoholics Anonymous. They, after all, promoted a generic higher power, not the Christian…
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Notorious

Rulers of the people and elders, if we are being examined today concerning a good deed done to a crippled man . . . Acts 4:8-9 I’ve been known for a lot of things in my adult life – some good and some bad. I’ve been known as a reasonably good ER physician. I’ve been…
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Contagious Living

But many of those who had heard the word believed, and the number of the men came to about five thousand. Acts 4:40 Whether I like it or not, the words and actions of those around has some impact on how I live. The reverse is also true. For better or worse, the way I…
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I Can’t Drive 55

And as they were speaking to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came upon them, greatly annoyed because they were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection from the dead. Acts 4:1-2 I have a confession: I tend to drive about five mph over the speed…
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Bone-Tired

Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord . . . Acts 3:19 I vividly remember just being sick and tired of my addiction. At first, I took the pills because they made me feel good and helped me…
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The Best Story

. . . the Author of life, whom God raised from the dead. Acts 3:15 When I was in middle school, we had an inmate from the nearby penitentiary come and give us one of those scared straight presentations. He spoke of a life of drugs and crime, with a message that was basically, “Don’t…
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Captain Recovery and the Dry Drunk

Men of Israel, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we have made him walk? Acts 3:12 I write often of my personal responsibility in recovery. There was a time when I just sat back, prayed for God to change me,…
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Before and After

And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. Acts 3:10 My opiate addiction dramatically reduced my motivation to exercise. While using, all I wanted to do was sit around and eat. I’ve never been slender, but I used to run marathons. Then, in my drug use, I just let…
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What Can I Possibly Do?

I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. Acts 3:6 Every morning, while drinking my coffee, I pray for those whom I know to be struggling in active addiction. I used to pray that God would cause some painful consequence for them, because that’s what it took for…
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Box Jumps and Recovery

And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” Acts 3:4 I go to a CrossFit gym where we employ somewhat arbitrary exercises as part of the training program. One of these exercises in particular – the box jump – is not my friend. I’m vertically challenged and at…
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