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I said, “Now the Philistines will come down against me at Gilgal, and I have not sought the favor of the LORD.” So I forced myself, and offered the burnt offering. 1 Samuel 13:12 When it became clear that I needed to go to inpatient treatment for my opioid addiction, I immediately began searching for…
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Only fear the LORD and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you. But if you still do wickedly, you shall be swept away, both you and your king. 1 Samuel 12:24-25 Someone suggested recently that perhaps I dwelt too much in the shame of my…
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Moreover, as for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the LORD by ceasing to pray for you, and I will instruct you in the good and the right way. 1 Samuel 12:23 Being outspoken about my own addiction, I’m regularly approached by those who’re struggling with some addiction of their…
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And do not turn aside after empty things that cannot profit or deliver, for they are empty. 1 Samuel 12:21 I’ve often wondered what my diet would look like (and what I would look like) if I consistently ate only that which I needed. What if I ate only for nutrition, and not for appetite?…
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And Samuel said to the people, “Do not be afraid; you have done all this evil. Yet do not turn aside from following the LORD, but serve the LORD with all your heart.” 1 Samuel 12:20 I’ve met those who fear that they’ve done things so terrible that God cannot forgive them. Even in my…
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And you shall know and see that your wickedness is great, which you have done in the sight of the LORD, in asking for yourselves a king. 1 Samuel 12:17 As a child, I understood that I had two sets of parents. On the one hand, my first set of parents were kind and loving.…
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Now therefore stand still and see this great thing that the LORD will do before your eyes. 1 Samuel 12:16 My wife boasts an impressive collection of heart-shaped rocks, which are on display in our yard and in our home. Wherever we go, she seems to find them. You know who never finds heart-shaped rocks?…
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If you will fear the LORD and serve him and obey his voice and not rebel against the commandment of the LORD . . . it will be well. But if you will not obey the voice of the LORD, but rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then the hand of the LORD will…
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Then Samuel said to the people, “Come, let us go to Gilgal and there renew the kingdom.” 1 Samuel 11:14 Every February means the beginning of a months-long, worldwide competition cycle for those of us at our gym. I placed high enough in February that I graduated to the second step this month, and if…
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Then the people said to Samuel, “Who is it that said, ‘Shall Saul reign over us?’ Bring the men, that we may put them to death.” But Saul said, “Not a man shall be put to death this day, for today the LORD has worked salvation in Israel.” 1 Samuel 11:12-13 Since my most obvious…
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