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Just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts. 1 Thessalonians 2:4 I’ve often said my greatest life flaw is that I most often simply do what I want. The problem of course, is that…
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But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict.1 Thessalonians 2:2 One of my persistent life flaws is that I always look for the easy way out. Usually, I…
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For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God . . . 1 Thessalonians 1:9 Working in addiction medicine, it’s not uncommon for me to encounter addictions with which I am unfamiliar. I understand drug…
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You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. 1 Thessalonians 1:6-7 In my medical training, I became familiar with the phrase: See one. Do…
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For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. 1 Thessalonians 1:4-5 While struggling…
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And say to Archippus, “See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.” Colossians 4:17 When I was younger, I imagined that one day I would understand my life purpose and that I would instinctively live out that purpose. My dad was a pastor, and my mom was a teacher, both…
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Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt . . . Colossians 4:5-6 Recently, while talking with friends, someone else’s name came up. It wasn’t a critical conversation until I contributed that I thought this person was quite weird. Mine wasn’t a…
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At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison— that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak. Colossians 4:3-4 While in treatment back in 2014, I…
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Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. Colossians 4:2 For much of my life, I’ve approached prayer like this: I usually just do whatever I think best. My main determinant in what I think, say, and do, is me. I’m in charge and I make the decisions. It’s only when I get…
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Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men . . . Colossians 3:23 While in college, I worked weekends at a racquetball court where I was supposed to arrive at 6:00AM to dust mop all the courts before opening at 7:00AM. As a teenager, getting up that early was rough…
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