Month: January 2021

Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin. Romans 4:7-8 The addict, in his destructive behavior, hurts not only himself, but also those closest to him. The drug use, lies, financial loss, embarrassment, and insanity, all add…
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For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. Romans 3:23-24 Even while using drugs, I convinced myself I was a pretty good guy, and I was, as far as most people knew. I was…
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None is righteous, no, not one . . . But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law — the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe.  Romans 3:10,21-22 Step one of AA’s 12 steps says that as alcoholics or addicts, we must admit that we’re…
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And why not do evil that good may come? —as some people slanderously charge us with saying. Their condemnation is just. Romans 3:8 As an addict in recovery, I’m supposed to daily assess my personal inventory, continually working on my flaws. Drug use wasn’t my only struggle and recovery isn’t only about not using drugs.…
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What if some were unfaithful? Does their faithlessness nullify the faithfulness of God? By no means! Romans 3:3-4 In times of hurt and loss, it’s natural to ask why God allows horrible things to happen. Life is full of trials and the problem of suffering and pain has probably been the one argument against God’s…
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But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God. Romans 2:29 At the coffee shop, when I leave a tip, I wait to make sure the person on the other side of the counter…
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While you preach against stealing, do you steal? You who say that one must not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? Romans 2:21-22 As I watch my kids grow up, it’s natural to desire that they avoid painful life mistakes. From a young age, we’ve taught them right and wrong and we’ve disciplined them, hoping…
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God shows no partiality. Romans 2:11 Where I live – in West-Central Minnesota – we have a significant Muslim population, immigrated from Somalia. I’ve heard it said, that to be Somali is to be Muslim. Their ethnic background is tied tightly to their religious beliefs. I’d have to say that’s at least somewhat true of…
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He will render to each one according to his works: to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury. Romans 2:6-8 Not long ago,…
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Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance? Romans 2:4 I went to a faith-based chemical dependency treatment program where everyone was told of the grace and mercy to be found in God. Most addicts in the…
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