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Men of Israel, why do you wonder at this, or why do you stare at us, as though by our own power or piety we have made him walk? Acts 3:12 I write often of my personal responsibility in recovery. There was a time when I just sat back, prayed for God to change me,…
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And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. Acts 3:10 My opiate addiction dramatically reduced my motivation to exercise. While using, all I wanted to do was sit around and eat. I’ve never been slender, but I used to run marathons. Then, in my drug use, I just let…
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I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. Acts 3:6 Every morning, while drinking my coffee, I pray for those whom I know to be struggling in active addiction. I used to pray that God would cause some painful consequence for them, because that’s what it took for…
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And Peter directed his gaze at him, as did John, and said, “Look at us.” Acts 3:4 I go to a CrossFit gym where we employ somewhat arbitrary exercises as part of the training program. One of these exercises in particular – the box jump – is not my friend. I’m vertically challenged and at…
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And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. Acts 2:47 A close friend and I do a fair amount of addiction and jail ministry together, both knowing that we’re not evangelists. We’re just two guys trying to help others in need. We’ve joked many times though, that if…
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And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts . . . Acts 2:46 Food and eating means different things to different people. Some see food simply as nutrition or fuel. They know what’s healthy and so, they eat only what’s…
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And all who believed were together and had all things in common. Acts 2:44 Addicts come up with some whacky ideas. Once, while sitting in jail Bible study, an addict told me that God commanded him to share his faith with his drug dealing friends. In order to gain their trust, he had to first…
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They were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. Acts 2:45 Though I’ve been in recovery for a few years, I’ve still got my struggles. I might be sober, but I remain prideful, judgmental, and selfish. Twice over the last year, I’ve learned of acquaintances who, in…
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And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. Acts 2:43 When I was a kid, I went to a Christian camp every summer where I lived, for one week, in an environment that was designed to promote faith. I remember feeling an authentic closeness to God…
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And they devoted themselves to church for an hour, once a week on Sunday, unless the weather was really nice, or the Vikings played early. Acts 2:42 (Scott’s Lazy Revised Version) Most of us addicts, when introduced to all the effort required for recovery – go to treatment, attend meetings, avoid using friends, change your…
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