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Month: August 2022

Transparency is Threatening

And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account. Hebrews 4:13 When my wife and I were first married, I was led to believe she liked camping. It’s not that she was purposefully dishonest about it. I think she…
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It’s Not You, It’s Me

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 In the disastrous consequences of my drug addiction, I felt tremendous shame and embarrassment. There were…
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Rest for the Weary

Let us, therefore, make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will perish by following their example of disobedience. Hebrews 4:11 I came across a dung beetle while hiking last spring. I’d never seen one except on TV, so I stopped to watch it for a while. As it rolled its ball…
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What is Faith?

Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion. Hebrews 3:15 I’ve misunderstood faith for much of my life. In my addiction, I believed God could save me from the drugs and so, I asked him to deliver me. I heard others say that if I was struggling with…
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I Get It Because I’ve Been There

For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. Hebrews 2:18 Working in addiction medicine, I meet a lot of patients with PTSD, often from traumatic events as a child. If I dig into their story, I usually hear about physical or sexual abuse, neglect, and…
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Slave to the Drug

He himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. Hebrews 2:14-15 It’s not like I have a choice. People think I like living this…
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Ignoring the Warnings

For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?  Hebrews 2:2-3 Apparently, there was once a time when hospitals had lounges where physicians could congregate to smoke. Then, as it became clear that…
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Summer Projects and Jumping in the Lake

Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. Hebrews 2:1 This summer, my son and I worked on several physically demanding yard projects. We’re fortunate enough to live on the lake though, so after we were done working, we’d jump in to cool off. We’d…
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Where Do I Want My Life to Go?

He has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. Hebrews 1:2-3 I’ve done a…
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Buying Recovery?

If he has wronged you at all, or owes you anything, charge that to my account. Philemon 1:18 Nearly eight years ago, I entered Minnesota Adult and Teen Challenge – a Christian addiction treatment facility – for my opioid addiction. My insurance covered some of the treatment cost, but the organization wouldn’t survive only off…
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