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For what great nation is there that has a god so near to it as the LORD our God is to us, whenever we call upon him? Deuteronomy 4:7 When our kids were 9 and 10, we took a family trip out to the Black Hills in western South Dakota. We had a great time,…
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In the fortieth year, on the first day of the eleventh month, Moses spoke to the people of Israel according to all that the LORD had given him in commandment to them . . . Deuteronomy 1:3 As I mentioned recently, last week marked 10 years of sobriety for me. This is always a time…
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Because the LORD hated us he has brought us out of the land of Egypt, to give us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us. Deuteronomy 1:27 When I was a kid, I observed that some of my friends had a lot fewer rules at home. In fact, it seemed that for some…
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This is the land that shall fall to you for an inheritance, the land of Canaan as defined by its borders. Numbers 34:2 When my wife and I married, we entered a relationship with an expectation of specific boundaries that limited our behavior. For some reason, the idea of anything confining my behavior has a…
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But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you, then those of them whom you let remain shall be as barbs in your eyes and thorns in your sides, and they shall trouble you in the land where you dwell. Numbers 33:55 At our jail Bible study/recovery meeting last…
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We will take up arms, ready to go before the people of Israel, until we have brought them to their place. Numbers 32:17 In recovery communities, we often celebrate clean time. When someone passes a significant sobriety milestone, that accomplishment is acknowledged as the entire group asks in unison – How’d you do it? Then…
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Why will you discourage the heart of the people of Israel from going over into the land that the LORD has given them? Numbers 32:7 Back when I drank alcohol, I had no qualms about drinking alone, in secrecy. If I was with others though, in a fishing boat for example, I didn’t want to…
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If we have found favor in your sight, let this land be given to your servants for a possession. Do not take us across the Jordan. Numbers 32:5 For many years, I remained unwilling to get up early to go to the gym before work. I wanted to be in shape, but waking up early…
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And they also killed Balaam the son of Beor with the sword. Numbers 31:8 The first time I diverted opioids for my own use, I was terrified of the consequences. I was sure that I’d get caught as I laid awake at night, worrying about it. When a week went by and nothing happened, I…
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If a man vows a vow to the LORD, or swears an oath to bind himself by a pledge, he shall not break his word. He shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth. Numbers 30:2 I thought he was a good guy, only to find out he had this terrible secret…
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