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God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8 Every addict, at one time or another, when faced with the threat of treatment, has insisted that he can quit on his own. I was no different. Despite the fact that I tried – and failed…
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We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. Romans 5:3-5 When we see others suffering, it’s our nature…
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Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 5:1 A few years back, while on a road trip, we tried to check in to our hotel, only to find they didn’t have a room matching our reservation. The guy behind the desk was apologetic…
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For we say that faith was counted to Abraham as righteousness. How then was it counted to him? Was it before or after he had been circumcised? It was not after, but before he was circumcised. Romans 4:9-10 I sometimes get discouraged with my persistent flaws. I still have an appetite for unhealthy food. I…
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Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin. Romans 4:7-8 The addict, in his destructive behavior, hurts not only himself, but also those closest to him. The drug use, lies, financial loss, embarrassment, and insanity, all add…
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For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. Romans 3:23-24 Even while using drugs, I convinced myself I was a pretty good guy, and I was, as far as most people knew. I was…
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None is righteous, no, not one . . . But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law — the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe.  Romans 3:10,21-22 Step one of AA’s 12 steps says that as alcoholics or addicts, we must admit that we’re…
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And why not do evil that good may come? —as some people slanderously charge us with saying. Their condemnation is just. Romans 3:8 As an addict in recovery, I’m supposed to daily assess my personal inventory, continually working on my flaws. Drug use wasn’t my only struggle and recovery isn’t only about not using drugs.…
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What if some were unfaithful? Does their faithlessness nullify the faithfulness of God? By no means! Romans 3:3-4 In times of hurt and loss, it’s natural to ask why God allows horrible things to happen. Life is full of trials and the problem of suffering and pain has probably been the one argument against God’s…
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But a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter. His praise is not from man but from God. Romans 2:29 At the coffee shop, when I leave a tip, I wait to make sure the person on the other side of the counter…
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